Issuu

Exxon no longer investing in Guyana's oil projects - Glenn Lall

...country's debt growing as production increases

Let me show you how ExxonMobil is no longer an investor in Guyana, but is instead using Guyana's own oil to enrich itself, while the country is left waiting, and thepoliticiansremainsilent.

The oil contract Guyana signed clearly states that the country will receive 50% of theproﬁts.

But there is a condition: that share comes only after ExxonMobil recovers its investment.

Under that same agreement,Exxonisallowed to take up to 75% of the oil revenue each day to repay thosecosts.

The remaining 25% is then split equally between ExxonandGuyana.

In simple terms, Guyana onlyreceiving12.5%,while ExxonMobil walks away with87.5%ofthevaluefrom every barrel both to recover itscostsandasproﬁt.

Letthatsinkin.

And the promise was this: only after Exxon fully recovers its investment will Guyana begin to receive its full50%shareofproﬁts.

Thatiswhatiswrittenin

thecontract.

THEPATTERNTHAT TELLSTHESTORY

Let us now look at what hasbeenhappening.

Exxon began with Liza PhaseOne.

itsfull50%.

ThencameLiza5and6.

What that means again, theoilfromLiza1,2,3and4 was being used to ﬁnance 5

and 6 while Guyana remainedat12.5%.afterthat

The 75% cost recovery arrangementkickedin.

As Guyana's oil started paying oﬀ the cost of that project, expectations grew that the country would soon begintoreceiveitsfull50% share.

ButjustasLiza1moved towardbeingpaidoﬀ,Exxon announcedLiza2.

And just like that, the s a m e a r r a n g e m e n t continued.Guyana'soilfrom Liza1beganpayingforLiza 2, keeping the country lockedatthat12.5%share.

ThencameLiza3and4.

Now,oilfromLiza1and 2 had to pay for those projects as well again delaying Guyana's move to

was paif oﬀ they announced Project 7 which almost paid oﬀtoo,

And now, even before Guyana can move to its full share, Projects 8 and 9 have beenannounced.

ASYSTEMTHAT EXTENDSTHEWAIT

So what is happening here?

Every time Guyana gets closetoreachingitsfull50% share—

a new project is introduced.

Everynewprojectbrings newcosts.

Every new cost extends therecoveryperiod.

And so the country remains stuck year after

year—atthatsame12.5%. WHOISREALLY FINANCINGTHESE PROJECTS?

Hereistherealquestion: If Guyana's oil is paying forLiza2… andLiza3… andLiza4… andLiza5and6… andevenProject7…

then who is really ﬁ n a n c i n g t

developments?

investmentmayhavestarted withLiza1.

But every project after that is being funded by the oilproducedfromGuyana.

Yet, Exxon continues to take the majority 87 5% share,whileGuyanaremains atthebottomwith12.5% THECOSTTO THECOUNTRY

And while all of this is happening, the country continues to borrow Year after year, Guyana is taking

onnewdebt,payinginterest, and handing citizens small cash grants that do little to easetheirdailystruggles.

THENUMBERSTHAT CANNOTBEIGNORED

When Guyana began producing oil in December 2019, the country's debt stood at about US$2 6 billion.

From then to now 2026 overUS$60billionworthof oilhasbeenproduced.

And where does Guyana standtoday?

With approximately US$10billionindebt.

Thinkaboutthat.

A f t e r y e a r s o f production,afterUSbillions in oil, instead of the debt goingdown,ithasclimbed.

AQUESTIONTHAT DEMANDSANANSWER

This is the reality facing Guyana:

Billions in oil wealth leaving the country and increasing debt remaining behind.

Sotellme,whatkindof progressisthat?

**When the wealth goes… and the debt comes, whoisreallybeneﬁting?

Kaieteur News

Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana.

Publisher: DR. GLENN LALL - TEL: 624-6456

Editor-In-Chief: NIGEL WILLIAMS

Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210

EDITORIAL

CASH COW

While Guyanese struggle to manage in this oil rich country,foreignersseeabankwithanopenvault. Acashcow waiting to be milked, then milked for as long as they are allowedtogetawaywithdoingso.

Lindsayca Development LLP signed a US$759M contract with Guyana to build two facilities at Wales. For US$759M,GuyanagetsaNaturalGasLiquidsfacilityanda 300-megawatt power generation plant Apparently, Lindsaycacannotdeliveratthatpriceanymore. Accordingto its 2024 Annual Report, the company can commit to delivering on the two facilities, but only if it can grab an additionalUS$250MoutoftheGuyanaGovernment

Acompanythatwalkedawayfromunfinishedprojectsin Venezuela and Columbia is, apparently, back at playing its familiar game. Get in on a big project with much fanfare, make the work look overwhelming, raise the price in midstream, and takeoff when things do not workout, as planned. Could this be the next chapter in the GuyanaLindsaycacontractualagreement?

Sharp differences are brewing between the parties, becoming more entrenched with each new snippet of wellguardedinformationtricklingoutofthisUS$2BWalesGasto-Energy project (project). The Lindsayca portions of the projectarerunningbehindtheclock,therearecontradictory deliverytimes,andthereareclashesovermoney

It is a volatile, toxic brew Moreover, there is a hint, the slightest hint, that Guyana is being held hostage, with Lindsayca engaging in a high-risk gamble It is more cost effective for Guyana to pay up the additional US$250M demanded,thantocutthecompanyloose,andstartoverfrom scratch Whatmattersmorethanthatuglyconsiderationishow muchthePPPCGovernmentiswillingtoplayalong.

Technicalexpertsareoftheviewthatprojectcompletion by 2026 yearend is out of the question, not even remotely possible. That’s the first stumbling block, with the second being money Lindsayca wants US$250M more to stick around and finish the project PPPC Government handpickedagentsthinkthatGuyanashouldnotpayanything above US$170M. The fly in the ointment is that the final decision-maker, President IrfaanAli, does not want to hear about Guyana paying a single dollar above the contracted US$759MtogetthetwofacilitiesdoneatWales.

WhatistosaythatLindsaycawillnotwanttotrytotrick again,milkoilrichGuyanaforacouplehundredmillionmore Frankly speaking, this gas-to-energy partner has manifested somewaysthatremindofvulturescirclingaround,waitingto pounce at any opening Lindsayca won a contract for a fat US$759Mtodelivertwotop-of-thelineplants Lindsaycanext won another US$102M as part of a dispute resolution board award Still not satisfied, Lindsayca seeks to rip-off Guyana foranextraUS$250Mtogetthetwojobsdone

Suddenly, the last two components needed to linkup all the sections, fire up, and deliver as Vice President Bharrat Jagdeopromisedonhalfpriceelectricity,havenowspiraled tooverUS$1B. ExcludingtheUS$102Mdisputeaward,the new US$250M that Lindsayca is hustling to wring out of Guyana would take the price to date of theWales project to US$1.009B. For the record, we make the point that the US$102M that the dispute board decided that Guyana has topaytoLindsaycahastocount Itispartofthecostofthe Wales project, and should be included, which pushes the currenttotalpricetoUS$1 111B

Lindsayca is making a killing off Guyana, while slowly bleedingGuyanaforahundredmilliontoday,andanothertwo hundred on another, if it can find a way to sneak that one through Whatistosaythatthisopportunisticcompanyisdone withpressuringthePPPCGovernmentforhundredsofmillions more,andnotbebacktotryitsluckagain?

Itisapparentthatsomeforeigncompaniesthinkthatitis open season in Guyana. Give the money tree a vigorous shake, and there’s a shower of fruits. It has rained millions and more millions from cash cow Guyana, with Lindsayca collecting like a veteran welfare queen. We can’t help thinkingabouthowmuchtheWalesprojectwillcostGuyana, whenLindsaycasubmitsitsfinalcharges.

TheBillion-DollarShuffle:HowForeignMiners FlipGuyana’s

DEAREDITOR,

Foreign mining giants are flipping Guyana’sgoldwealthintobillions,while theStateearnsnothingfromthetransfers. In this hard-hitting editorial, we trace how Canada’s G Mining Ventures consolidated two mega gold projects worth over US$30 billion and expose thegovernment’sfailuretoimposeevena basic transfer tax Other nations have already closed this loophole So why is Guyanastillpretending

When Canadian miner G Mining Ventures (GMIN) announced its latest takeoverofG2Goldfields,itconfirmed twothings.First,Guyana’snascentgold beltispositioningitselfasaworld-class mineral district. And second, once again, the biggest windfall from that promisewillflownottoGuyana,butto Canadianinvestors.

The scale of the deal is staggering.

GoldWhiletheStateWatches

With a US$2.2 billion buyout of G2, following a US$638 million merger with Reunion Gold Corp., GMIN now controls over 7 million ounces of Guyanese gold across a consolidated block in Region Seven. By the company’s own estimates, production couldexceed500,000ouncesannually, and at gold prices above US$4,500 per ounce,theresourcecouldcarryamarket valueexceedingUS$30billion.

Yet Guyana’s share of this multibillion-dollar corporate reshuffle? Zero.

TheGreatGiveawayinPlainSight

These transactions between foreign companies are perfectly legal under Guyana’soutdatedminingpolicy—but they reveal a catastrophic failure of national stewardship Because the assets were transferred through corporatesharesalesabroad,notransfer

tax, capital gains assessment, or relicensingfeewastriggeredinGuyana. What should be a taxable transfer of national property becomes a paper shuffle in Canadian stock markets, invisibletoourtaxsystem.

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo’s dismissive claim that “flipping cannot be prevented” only compounds the insult.Heknowsthisisnottrue.It’snot that flipping can’t be regulated — it’s that the government won’t regulate it. And as a result, every ounce of gold under those concessions is effectively mortgaged to foreign traders before a shovelevenhitstheground.

HowOtherCountries

ClosedtheLoophole Guyana’s refusal to modernize its mining legislation contrasts sharply withthereformsembracedbyother

Continued on page 5

TheBillion-DollarShuffle:HowForeignMinersFlip

Frompage4

developing-resourcestates

* Tanzania amended its Mining Actin2017tomandatestatereview and taxation of all changes in ownership of mineral rights, whetherdirectorindirect Nopermit can change hands without ministerial approval and a transfer feepaidintothetreasury

* Ghana, once plagued by “license flipping” in the Obuasi region,introducedacapitalgainstax on mining share transfers and required any transaction altering control of a concession to be disclosed to the Ghana Revenue Authority Even if deals occur on foreign stock exchanges, Ghana treats them as taxable local events affectingnationalassets.

* Zambia and Namibia have similar mechanisms, allowing the state to capture value through transfer duties or reassessment clauseswhenmultinationalmergers altercontroloflocalmines

* Even Suriname, right next door, includes “beneficial ownership”provisionsinitsmineral agreements, giving the government therighttorenegotiateorlevyfeesif controllinginterestsshift

TheseexamplesdebunktheVice President’sclaimoutright It’snota questionofpossibilityorlegality it’saquestionofpoliticalwill Other nations have done precisely what Guyana refuses to do: make the ownershipofresources conditional onnationalconsentandtaxation.

Non-TransferablePermits:

TheMissingShield

The simplest reform lies in rewriting the very permits that underpin every mining operation Each mineral right or prospecting license should carry a nontransferabilityclause:nosale,merger,

Guyana’s

orsharerestructuringthatresultsina changeofcontrolmayoccurwithout official authorization That authorization would automatically trigge

sfe

x or reassessment, ensuring the State earnsitssharewhenthevalueofits subsoilwealthappreciates

This is not anti-investor policy

It’s sound resource governance

Investors remain free to sell but they must contribute to the public purse when they profit off public property The logic mirrors Guyana’s oil regime where the

government mandates signing bonuses and project-specific agreements before exploration rights change hands. There’s no reason mining should operate as a tax-freecasinonextdoor

WhatGuyanaLosesEveryTime Byrefusingtoact,Guyanaisnot just forgoing hypothetical revenue it is conceding control over the strategictempoofitsownextractive future Each corporate “flip” consolidates control of national assets in the hands of financial markets abroad. The gold in the

ground remains physically ours, but economically, it has already been extracted monetized through offshore valuation long before the first shipment leaves Bartica.

GMIN touts its savings from “synergies” morethanC$1billion saved through shared infrastructure and combined operations Yet the very concept of synergy here is a corporate euphemism for offshoring efficiencyandonshoringnothing To date, not a single cent of those “synergies” has translated into a

measurable national benefit or addedfiscalreturn

TimefortheStatetoWakeUp No responsible government shouldallowitsminingwealthtobe flipped, merged, or carved up without a mechanism to capture value The reforms required are neithercomplicatednorradical:

*Makeallmineralpermitsnontransferable except through ministerialapproval

*Treatanycorporatetransaction thatalterscontrolofapermit-holder asataxableeventundertheIncome TaxorExciseframework

* Require public disclosure of beneficial ownership changes and revaluation of mineral assets whenevermergersoccur

Guyanahasenteredanerawhere foreigninvestorsviewitssubsoilnot as ground to mine but as stock to trade UntiltheStateassertsitsrightto tax and regulate those movements, thecountrywillstaylockedintherole of spectator watching billions change hands while pretending it cannotintervene

The argument that “we can’t prevent flipping” has become a convenient mask for governmental indifference But it is not laws that arelacking itisleadership Ifwe continuetoacceptthispassivity,the goldwealthofthisnationwillkeep financing foreign balance sheets while Guyana inherits only the environmental clean-up and the illusionofprogress.

Itistimetostoppretendingthat foreign control is fate With clear policy and courage, Guyana can ensurethateveryspeculativetradein its gold carries a national dividend Anythinglessissurrenderdisguised asinvestment

Sincerely HemduttKumar

Map showing the Oko West and Oko-Ghanie and other mining properties.

Citizenscallongovt.topreservehistoricalsites

…as reports of bulldozing at Fort Island spark serious concerns

Historian and Professor of Africana Studies Nigel Westmaas says he is “very disturbed” by reports of bulldozing activity at Fort Island, warning that in Guyana’s 60th year of independence, authorities must show greater respect for the country’shistoricallegacy

“I think in the 60th year of independence we have to be considerate of our long history of enslavement and indentureship,” Westmaas told Kaieteur News yesterday, warning that national monument, many of which were built by enslavedAfricans, should not be altered “precipitously because of some economic narrativeaboutdevelopment.”

He called for collaboration amongthestate,theNationalTrust of Guyana, and wider society to safeguardwhathedescribedasthe nation’s patrimony His remarks come amid mounting criticism from citizens, academics and cultural commentators over reported land clearing and excavation near Fort Zeelandia, one of Guyana’s most significant colonial-erasites.

Fort Zeelandia, constructed in the mid-18th century by the Dutch usingenslavedlabour,isamongthe oldest standing structures in Guyana and forms part of a designatednationalmonumentsite alongside the historic Court of Policy building. The island itself once served as the administrative centre of the Dutch colony of Essequibo, underscoring its importanceasphysicalevidenceof non-Spanish European presence in theregion.

Thesitewasofficiallydeclared anationalmonumentin1999andis maintained under the authority of theNationalTrust,withprotections

outlined in law against damage, removal or alteration without permission.

Public concern has intensified as Guyana prepares to mark its Diamond Jubilee - 60 years of independence - with a series of high-profile cultural and national events under the “Homecoming” theme. The anniversary is being promoted as a major moment of reflection, unity and global engagement, featuring heritage showcases, diaspora-focused

ceremony

Governmentofficialshavesaid the celebrations are intended not only to honour Guyana’s past but also to showcase its cultural identity and drive tourism and economicactivity

However,authorities,including the Ministry of Culture,Youth and Sport, have remained silent over the recent developments at Fort Island.

Guyanese academic and environmental specialist Allyson Stoll shared in a social media post that Fort Zeelandia, which has stoodonFortIslandsince1749,isa gazetted national monument declared in 1999 and built by enslaved people brought to Essequibo.

She stressed that the historic structure had endured decades of neglect, erosion, flooding and looting, only to now face what she described as severe damage from recentbulldozing.Stollarguedthat the actions taken do not constitute preservation but rather amount to reckless destruction of a protected heritagesite.

Shealsopointedtothelossofa natural mangrove and vegetation

barrierthattookmorethan25years to develop, noting her firsthand knowledge of the site’s past condition when sections of its brickworkhadalreadybeenatrisk.

Citing the National Trust Act, Stoll emphasised that the law mandates the preservation of buildings and places of national, historic and environmental importance, along with the protection of their surroundings. She added that theAct makes it an offencetodamageorinterferewith

Reports of bulldozing activity at Fort Island have raised concerns.

a national monument without written permission from the National Trust, with penalties including fines and potential costs forrestoration.

Veteran broadcaster Enrico Woolford suggested that forthcoming official statements would likely frame the activity at Fort Zeelandia as routine ground grading, downplaying concerns about potential damage to the historicsite.

He argued that authorities may

emphasise that operators were instructed to avoid disturbing visible ramparts, and that preparations for Guyana’s 60th Independence flag-raising ceremony on Fort Island were the result of broad consultation led by theNationalEventsSecretariat.

Woolford, in a Facebook post, furthercontendedthatsupportfrom groups such as the Private Sector Commissionwouldlikelyfocuson anticipated economic benefits, while the Ministry of Tourism couldhighlightwhatitdescribesas acarefulandconsultativeplanning process.

Concerned citizen Dwayne Hackett shared that the reported destruction of parts of Fort Island using bulldozers could have wider geopolitical implications He arguedthatdamagingasiteofsuch historicalsignificancemayweaken Guyana’s position in ongoing territorial sensitivities surrounding the Essequibo region, noting that the area contains key physical evidence of Dutch, not Spanish, colonialpresence.

Hackett questioned the rationalebehindalteringcenturiesold heritage structures and said those responsible for authorising any such activity should be held accountable,addingthattheaction raises serious concerns about the protection of national historical assets.

Fort Island, located in the Essequibo River, is widely regarded as a cornerstone of Guyana’s colonial and cultural history, with continuous links to governance, trade and resistance dating back more than three centuries.

AttemptstocontactMinisterof Culture, Youth and Sport Charles RamsonJnr Provedfutile.

By Christopher Ram

Introduction

Some research carried out this week revealed that the big investment offered Guyanese into the Gas Bottling and Logistics Company in which the OfficeofthePrimeMinister has invited interest of US$1Mn for a total of

The Road to First Oil - Every Man, Woman and Child must become oil-minded. Column

The Prime Minister's unlawful invitation for US millions

US$40 million, is barely more than a shell company

In fact, the company has been incorporated with a share capital of G$500,000 under the direction and control not through NICIL, the State's established holding company, but directly by the Cabinet of Guyana.

That decision must

arouse suspicion and concern. NICIL exists to hold and manage State investments within a recognised framework of g o v e r n a n c e a n d accountability To bypass it and create a company by Cabinetintroducesaparallel structure with no track record, no clear oversight, and no obvious rationale. It

isnotatechnicalvariation.It is a fundamental departure. Moreover, the imbalance between the government's indicatedfinancialinputand that of the public is unheard ofevenifthegovernmentas a miniscule shareholder, did not seek to exercise total control.

Any person who might have been thinking of

investing in the company should exercise great caution. Such an investment is dangerous and frankly, insane. No serious investor should ignore that asymmetry When things go well, control determines decisions.

Whenthingsgowrong,it determines accountability Here, the public bears the financial exposure without the

ordinarily accompany such investment - regulatory protection, clear and independent oversight, clear governance,andenforceable rights Instead, what is offered is a “guarantee” of return unsupported by the disclosures and safeguards required under the law This is not how capital markets function.

That development reinforces what was already evident last week The invitation by the Office of the Prime Minister is unlawful. It runs counter to boththeCompaniesActand the Securities Industry Act, which regulate public offeringsandexisttoprotect investors.

Whatisworseisthatthis investment is in a company arising from the grossly mismanaged gas to energy projectwhichitselfaroseout of the 2016 Petroleum Agreement. The scale and frequency of bad news, no p l a n n i n g , g r o s s incompetence, and poor and costly judgment, appear to havenoend.

There is no review, no personnel change and no accountability. Worse, no one has been held responsibleanditisbusiness as usual. Surely it is time to asktheheadoftheprojectfor his resignation, on pain of beingfired.

This Government came to office promising to renegotiate the 2016 PetroleumAgreement.Itdid not. It retreated instead to “ b e t t e r c o n t r a c t administration ” Then it traded the country's sovereignty for sanctity of contract Yet years into production, it has not even managed that. What we are witnessing is not

administration It is misreading, misapplication, and abdication, not only in relation to petroleum, but alsototallyinrelationtogas. The Agreement says

what it is: a Petroleum Agreement.Article11ofthe Agreement limits cost recovery to petroleum operations. Article 12 deals withgas,butwithinasystem of plans, approvals, and, where necessary, separate terms. The line is clear G o v e r n m e n t g a s infrastructure outside an approvedDevelopmentPlan must be paid for by the Government and must not reduce profit oil. What is beingdonenowiswrong.

Thepositionongasisset outclearlyintheAgreement. Associated gas comes with oil It forms part of petroleum operations and must be included in an approved Development Plan. If properly approved, its costs may be recovered. Non-associated gas is different. It does not arise from oil production and is not part of petroleum operations.

It requires its own plan, and possibly its own agreement It cannot be treated as part of the petroleum project That distinctionmattersbecauseit determines what costs may properly enter the cost recoverysystem.

When gas-to-energy costs are applied to the petroleum revenue, the system is being misused.

Those are national infrastructure costs to be borne by the State If properlytreated,theywould not reduce profit oil, but wouldinsteadfalldirectlyon the Treasury, increasing Governmentoutflows.

There is, however, a furtherandequallytroubling possibility The State may bear the capital cost of the infrastructure, while the contractorsecuresashareof the gas revenues once the systemisoperational.Inthat case,thecountrypaystwicefirst through the upfront investment, and again through the sharing of the returns. Exxon understands (Continuedonpage9)

Georgetown has reached its limits

Georgetown, the capital city of Guyana, I have concluded after extensive observation (and several near-death experiences attempting to cross Regent Street), has not merely reached its tipping point. It has tipped, landed awkwardly, and is now apologizing to itself while askingforaparkingspot.

There was a time when Georgetown possessed a kind of chaotic charm. A donkey cart here, a bicycle there, a steady but not interminable stream of cars, most of whom had seen betterdays.

Now, however, the city resembles a convention of vehicles that were all told there would be free refreshments if they showed up early They did. All of them.

The mystery, if one insists on calling it that, is not why Georgetown has traffic, but why anyone is surprised. The equation is

simple Vendors plus businesses equals vehicles. Vehicles multiplied by customers equals gridlock. And gridlock divided by available parking equals existential despair It is the kind of formula that would makeamathematicianweep gentlyintoacalculator

Take vendors, for example. Once upon a time, avendorwasapersonwitha tray, perhaps a cart, and an admirable ability to shout persuasively Today, the modern vendor arrives in a vehicle.Notjustanyvehicle, often something sizable enough to transport a small orchestra. And why not? If one is selling plantains, one must do so with logistical sophistication. The result is that every vendor is now both a merchant and a motorist, contributing not onlytocommercebutalsoto congestion, which is the city’s fastest-growing industry

Then there are the

businesses. Georgetown has embraced entrepreneurship with such enthusiasm that one suspects buildings are now being constructed solely to become other businesses later Every residential lot is now being gobbled up by businesses. The transformation is swift, relentless, and apparently irreversible.

Butbusinesses,asitturns out,donotexistinisolation.

T h e y c o m e w i t h

employees—manyofwhom drive too especially those in theservicessectorwherethe pay tends to be better They come with customers most of whom also drive. They come with suppliers, delivery vehicles, and the occasional person who is simply lost but contributing nonetheless. Each business is like a small gravitational field, pulling in cars and other vehicles until the surrounding streets are overwhelmed–longlinesor snarled traffic and no

The Prime Minister's unlawful...

Frompage8 these outcomes and is content with a loose application of the Agreement that leaves theseissuesunresolved,andexploitable.

Thatispreciselywhythetreatmentofgas cannotbelefttoassumptionorconvenience. Associated gas must be governed strictly withinanapprovedDevelopmentPlanunder the Petroleum Agreement, while nonassociated gas requires its own clear framework, whether by plan or by separate agreement.

Without that clarity, the risk is not only misapplication, but a structure in which the

Dem Boys Seh...

State funds the capital cost but shares the revenue.

This is why the Government's failure is nosmallmatter Wecontinuetomisreadand misapply the 2016 Agreement, with consequences that are immediate and irreversible. Like the gas-to-energy project, failure here is not abstract. It is measured in lost revenue, weakened public services, and missed opportunities for development. The countryhastheresource.Whatitlacksisthe disciplineandcompetencetomanageit.

(This article is reproduced with the kind courtesyoftheauthor.)

parking whatsoever Even the teachers now are taking upalltheparkingwithinand outsideoftheirschools.

Findingaparkingspotin Georgetown now requires not just luck, but a belief in miraclesandpossiblyaletter of recommendation. Drivers circle endlessly, like vultures, contemplating wheretopark.

And yet, amidst this vehicularcrescendo,another phenomenon quietly unfolds: residential rentals have become about as affordable as luxury apartments. Buildings that used to be reserved for housing are vanishing, becoming offices, shops, or something described vaguely as a “commercial space.” The result is that people who wish to live in Georgetown must now compete with people who wish to sell things in Georgetown,andcommerce, being louder and more persistent,tendstowin.

One might reasonably ask: how did this happen? Who, if anyone, was in charge while the city transformedintoacasestudy inspatialoverachievement?

Here we arrive, somewhat reluctantly, at the institutions entrusted with oversight The Central Housing and Planning Authority, which sounds reassuringly authoritative, appears to have embraced a

philosophy of boundless optimism If someone wished to establish a business, why not approve it? After all, what could possiblygowronginafinite citywithinfiniteambition?

Similarly, the City Council, which might have intervened at some point to say, “Perhaps this is enough,” seems to have a d o p t e d a m o r e observational role One imagines them watching the proceedings unfold, occasionally taking notes, possiblyonhowmanymore businesses can fit into a single block before physics intervenes.

Themostbafflingaspect, however, is financial. With thisexplosionofbusinesses, e a c h p r e s u m a b l y contributing to the tax base, one would expect City Hall to be flourishing Not extravagantly, perhaps, but comfortably Yet the city finds itself grappling with deficits, which suggests eitheraprofoundaccounting mystery or the possibility thatrevenue,likeparking,is simplydifficulttolocate.

All of this unfolds against a backdrop of a relationship between City Hall and the central government that can best be described as strained Cooperation appears to occur in theory, much like efficient traffic flow, but rarelyinpractice.

Which brings us, inevitably,tothequestionof whatistobedone.Itmaybe time, radical though it sounds, to consider a moratorium on new

businesses within Georgetown Not as a punishment,butasamoment of reflection. A pause. A collective acknowledgment thatthecity,admirableasits energy may be, is not infinitelyelastic. Georgetownissmall.Itis congested. It is, in many ways, overwhelmed by its own industriousness To continuealongthispathisto invite further chaos, more traffic,higherrents. In the meantime, I will continue my daily ritual of attempting to navigate the streets,armedwithpatience, skepticism,andavaguehope thatsomewhere,somehow,a parking spot exists. If not in reality, then at least in principle, which, in Georgetown, may be the closest one can reasonably expect.

(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the o p i n i o n s o f t h i s newspaper.)

Dem boys seh you ain’t need no calendar, no phone alert, not even a good memory to know when pay day reach in Guyana.Justtekalildrivepastanybankand watchthelong,windingsnakeofhumanity curling ‘round theATM like it waiting pun salvation.Thatisyoursignalrighttherethat paydaydoneland.

Dem boys seh even if you forget the month got 30 or 31 days, them lines go remind you sharp-sharp. It does stretch so long,youwouldthinkisticketsforCPL,not people trying to rescue dem own money fromthebank.Andeverybodyfacegotthat same serious look Half hope, half calculation,andalilbitofquietpanic.

But dem boys seh them lines telling a deeper story It ain’t just “people get paid.” Is more like “people get paid and immediately get unpaid.” Because as soon asthesalarytouchtheaccount,italreadygot ten hands waiting—light bill, water bill, rent, groceries, hire purchase payment. Money ain’t resting; it just passing through likeavisitorwhomissthelastminibus.

Dem boys seh if people did really flush withcash,theATMwouldn’tlooklikeAfter Thanksgiving sale every month end. The mad rush showing that plenty households operatingonlowreserves—solow,eventhe reserves got reserves. One man whisper, “My account does cry when I check the balance.”

And then there’s the big one: cash still king. You want pay for this, buy that, tip somebody, settle something—cash, cash, and more cash. Swipe card? Sometimes. Transfer? Maybe. But cash? Always. So everybody got to line up like it’s a national ritual.

Dem boys seh if the system was more electronic,themlinesmightshrink.Butuntil then, pay day will continue to look like a parade—onlydifferenceisnobodysmiling, and everybody marching straight to the ATM.

Because in Guyana, dem boys seh, moneydon’tjustmaketheworldgoround;it makepeopleformalinefirst. Talkhalf.Leffhalf.

H@RD TRUTHS

AG Nandlall – reflect, set standard, exemplify

Mr Anil Nandlall, honorableAttorneyGeneral, hasadilemma. Hisfootisin atrap,andthemoreheopens his mouth to help himself, the more he makes matters worse. What was heard fromtheCaribbeanCourtof Justice was the subtle chidingofGuyana'sattorney general. Neitherpokeinthe eye,norslaponthewrist,but the slightest of slight admonishments. Take it easy, Mr Nandlall. Take

responsibility Take charge, setnewstandards. Letthose be the standards, with the weight, strength, and prestige of the Attorney General's office brought to bear For change, for betterment. For a Guyana yearnedfor,butstillunseen. Somebodyhastotry,andMr Mohabir Anil Nandlall, SC, MP should have been far in front of a Guyanese of no

standinglikeme. Mr Nandlall tried putting up a defense. He hurt himself further, didn't help his cause. There are times, when it's best to say nothing, take things on the chin and, with lesson absorbed, move on Endlessly trying to prove pointsisapointlessexercise. There are much bigger challenges arrayed before. Meanwhile, all Guyanese should appreciate what the

CCJ President, Justice Winston Anderson very gently tabled. I urge my brotherAnil to take to heart whathearticulated,andstart over Bethestandardbearer, Mr Nandlall. Be a role model,AGNandlall. Recoil and retreat, Friar Nandlall from registering wolrdwide as another PPP Govt iteration of Live in Guyana, orsomeshallowStatemedia agent.

An attorney general is a

country's Chief Legal Adviser

Few will disagree with CCJ President, Mr Anderson; and have said so at dif times using different words. An adviser recommends. A chief legal adviser recommendsandinsists(and persists).

Thiswillbethestandard. This is the mode of communication, of conveying disagreement, of making a point. Regardless of the thirst for vengeance, the bitterness created by a former bosom friend, since transformed(ormadeinto)a bloodenemy

Going to extremes to stick it to a foe, with egging on well-wishers as a probable byproduct, has a way of blowing up in the face. To work the crowd, whipitintoafrenzy,against that duo, is what Justice

Anderson found so counterproductive, so counterintuitive.

Said he, “ we are just wondering whether the Attorney General making those kinds of statements…is the best practice for the kind of society and democracy that we seek to encourage in Guyana.” As putdowns go, that one is incomparable. Instructive that instead of AG Nandlall holding his peace, he preferred

c o u n t e r i n g a n d prevaricating.

With clearance from JusticeAndersonandSenior CounselNandlall,Iinterpret what the former said. The kind of society that exists in Guyana is troubling, too turbulent, a torture to those for whom the civil, the circumspect, and the tactful matter Asocietythatclaws its way to the kind of discipline that respects

process, and respects the fundamentalrightsofothers. President Anderson set the tone: he didn't shove. He nudged.

Mr Nandlall's head is notsohardthatthemessages wrapped in that quote bounces off without making a dent, any kind of impression.

Speaksofter Articulate position quieter Eviscerate adversary slower Like that wise man said without saying,'notthebestpractice', not with a different kind of democracy and society in mindforGuyana.

It means that Guyanese democracyandsocietyarea far cry from what's acceptable. What's found appealing, inspires. Anil Nandlall may be unfazed; but, as a Guyanese, I'm ashamed.

Heardwasthischerished homeland lacks requisite standards. Lacks people who genuinely try. People with the requisite character, people with an unyielding will to introduce, fight for, and drive through changes foradifferentGuyana. If I somehow offended AnilNandlal,Iwouldregret that immensely I think he shouldregroupandrestart. I would join him in speaking to, and about, fellow Guyaneseatadifferentlevel. If he doesn't, I'll walk-on; immovably confident that I neverwalkalone.

(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinionsofthisnewspaper.)

BLUNTNESSONINDECENCIES!

In case you haven’t heard, please be informed that as part of our continued effort to channel positive changes in our country, our publisher, Dr. Glenn Lall, has dedicated our Page Seven to be “BLUNT” about on-going indecencies in our land that should matter, not only to us at this publication, but the entire nation.

MONDAY–APRIL20,2026

Guyanapayingtheprice Chartered Accountant, Christopher Ram's warning should sting because it exposes a painful truth: Guyanaisbeingoutplayedin itsownoilgame.

The refusal to implement ring-fencing is not just a technical oversight; it is a costly blunder While

ExxonMobil recovers expenses across projects, Guyana quietly surrenders billions in potential revenue, eﬀectivelybankrollingfuture

t recognitionorreward.

This is not partnership- it is submission dressed up as policy Worse yet, the same voices that once decried the 2016 agreement now defend its weaknesse

convenience,notconviction.

Government cannot hide behind “sanctity of contract” while ignoring tools that require no renegotiation Ring-fencing is standard practice,notradicalreform.If leadershipcannotdistinguish

between prudence and passivity, then Guyana's oil wealthwillremainapromise deferredwhileotherscashin.

WEDNESDAY–APRIL 22,2026

Silenceincorridor

Silencefromthecorridors ofpowerisgrowinglouderby theday AstheWalesGas-toEnergyscandaldeepens,Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo has vanishedfromthepubliceye:

no press brieﬁngs, no answers, only speculation President Irfaan Ali appears equally reluctant to face scrutiny

This is the same project now tainted by a US$102M lossandashockingconﬂictof interest involving attorney Devindra Kissoon, who straddled both State and contractor The secrecy, the legal entanglements, the spiraling costs, none inspire conﬁdence.

Guyanese are left in the dark while billions are c o m m i t t e d a n d accountability evaporates. Where is Jagdeo? Why the silence?

The PPP government mustconfrontthenation.This isnotjustmismanagement,it is a betrayal demanding

urgent, transparent explanation.

THURSDAY–APRIL23, 2026

Moremoneyfor thegasproject

TheWalesGas-to-Energy project is fast becoming a textbook case of poor planning, weak oversight, and shifting goalposts. Now, the contractor is seeking an additional US$250 million, after already extracting over US$100 million through dispute.Yet,timelinesremain doubtful, and evidence suggeststhe2026deadlineis unrealistic.

More troubling is the widening gap between oﬃcialassurancesandreality on the ground Claims of round-the-clock work collapse under scrutiny, raising serious questions about transparency and accountability Meanwhile, Guyanese citizens bear the burden through high electricity costs and persistentblackouts.

At a time when global energy prices present a golden opportunity, Guyana is missing out on valuable exports due to delays. The nation cannot aﬀord endless renegotiations and excuses Theremustbeﬁrmoversight, clear consequences, and an unwavering commitment to protectingpublicfunds.

FRIDAY–APRIL24,026

Guyanamustdemanda fairdealnow

Kaieteur News has long exposed the grotesque imbalance in Guyana's 2016 ExxonMobil contract The ﬁguresaredamning.In2024, theStabroekBlockgenerated US$18B, yet Guyana received a mere US$2 6B while Exxon and its partners carted oﬀ US$15.4B. This is not partnership; it is plunder dressedinlegallanguage.

The Production Sharing

Agreement allows the company to recover up to 75%ofcostsandpayapaltry 2% royalty, terms widely criticised as excessively generous.

Evenworse,Guyanapays thecompanies'taxesfromits ownshare.

This newspaper has consistently highlighted discrepancies, secrecy, and delays from disputed expenses to pending relinquishment obligations Renegotiation is not radical; it is responsible governance. A nation sitting on billions cannot remain satisﬁed with crumbs. The time for timid diplomacy has passed; Guyana must demand a fair dealnow

Machel Montano won the title for a record 12 occasions, with his tune, Encore

Campbellville man shot & robbed by lone gunman

A37-year-old bodywork technician was on Saturday shot and robbedathisDelphStreet,Campbellville,Georgetownhomebya lonegunman.

Thepoliceinareportstatedthattheincidentoccurredjustafter midnightwhenthevictimwasinhisyardtalkingwithanotherman when a lone male entered the yard, pointed a firearm at him and snatched“ayellowmetalchain”hewaswearingatthetime.

“Thevictimandthesuspectsubsequentlybecameinvolvedina scuffle,duringwhichthesuspectdischargedaround,whichstruck thevictimontheleftsideofhischest.Thesuspectthenranoutofthe yard,headingsouthalongDelphStreet,andmadegoodhisescape,” thepolicesaidinitsreport.

The victim was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation,byresidentswherehewasexaminedbyadoctorand admitted. Kaieteur News understands that the man's condition is listedasstable.

Meanwhile,policefounda9mmspentshellatthescene.CCTV cameraswereobservedandwillbereviewedaspartoftheongoing investigation.

Man shot dead at Blackwater Backdam; gold miner arrested

ThePoliceinRegionSeven areinvestigatingthedeath of Moses Chapelle, called “Bizo,” who was fatally shot at Blackwater Backdam, Cuyuni River onThursdaynight.

According to information provided by the police, the incident occurredaround21:30hrs.

Police said that preliminary investigations revealed that Chapelle had returned to Blackwater Landing with another man after visiting a miningoperationinthebackdamand the two were allegedly imbibing in

thevicinityofashop.

Reports are that while the men socialized a loud explosion, suspectedtobeagunshot was heard. Chapellereportedlyfelltotheground attheshopandbloodwasobservedon hisback.

With the assistance of persons at the landing, the injured man was taken to the Puruni Health Centre, where he was pronounced dead on arrivalbyamedic.

Police stated that his body was subsequently examined and a small circular wound was observed in the

leftlowerbackarea.

PoliceinRegionSevenvisitedthe scene, where suspected bloodstains wereseenontheground,fromwhich sampleswerecollected.

“A 45-year-old gold miner of Company Road, Buxton, East Coast Demerara,wassubsequentlyarrested and placed into custody,” the police revealed.

Meanwhile, Chapelle's body was subsequently taken to the Bartica Regional Hospital where a postmortemexaminationisexpectedtobe conducted.

VP Jagdeo ex-tenant Mr. Su’s daughter bags major contract for Wales gas project

In the corridors of p o w e r i n Georgetown, some names are whispered with fear, others with reverence, andone—SuZhirong—with the distinct, lingering scent ofanationalscandalthatthis administration is desperate tobury

While the government

p r e a c h e s a b o u t

" t r a n s p a r e n c y " t o international investors and the Guyanese public, the 2022 VICE News exposé, "Guyana For Sale," pulled back the curtain on a murky

world where national resources are allegedly traded like commodities in private living rooms. At the center of this web sat Su Zhirong—the businessman, the "tenant," and the alleged bridge between foreign capitalandthehighestoﬃce intheland.

The world watched in shock as undercover

cameras captured Su Zhirong thinking he was speaking to a group of C h i n e s e investors explaining the mechanicsofdoingbusiness in Guyana. It wasn't about competitive bidding or technicalmerit;accordingto Su,itwasaboutthe"service fee."

In the viral undercover footage, Su was heard claiming that he could "get anything done" because of his intimate proximity to Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo See full interview with Vice News reporter here: (Su/ bribery from 1 : 0 5 : 0 0 ) https://www.youtube.com/w atch?v=EFHF8IpQFnk

Su essentially described asystemwherehewouldact asthemiddleman,collecting "fees" to ensure that state contracts and land concessions were "fasttracked."Mostdamningwas Su's assertion that the "boss"—a clear reference to theVP—tookthelion'sshare ofthesepayments,whilehe, Su,tookasmallercutforhis "troubles."

Proximityand PlausibleDeniability

Whenthescandalbroke, the Vice President admitted to knowing Su, even acknowledging that the Chinese national was a tenant in one of his properties. Yet, he claimed total ignorance of Su's extracurricularactivities.

Butthisbegsabarrageof criticalquestionsfortheVP: Howdoesaforeignnational,

OfficialcompanydocumentsforTropicalConstructionand BuildingSuppliesInc.-awardedakeycontractfortheWalesgas project-showthatSu'sdaughter,JiayiSuisthemajorshareholder

residinginapropertyowned bytheSecondCitizenofthe country,representhimselfas a "bagman" for the state for years without detection? If Su was merely a "rogue tenant,"whywashegranted suchunfetteredaccesstothe VP's private residence, w h e r e u n d e r c o v e r journalistswitnessedthetwo interacting?

Isitstandardgovernment policyfor"tenants"tobroker billion-dollar infrastructure deals in the VP's living room?

TropicalConstruction: TheSuFamily's NewFrontier

While Su Zhirong remainsaghost,hisfamily's inﬂuence is very much alive and well—cemented in the veryfoundationoftheUS$2 billion Gas-to-Energy project. Investigative records have identiﬁed Tropical Construction & Building Supplies Inc (TIN: 150633-608) as a prominent civil contractor for Phase One of the project. But who

Vice News captured Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo in his living room with undercover journalists posing as Chinese investors with his ex-tenant and businessman, Su Zhirong. The VPclearly stated that he “assist from the government side.”

wereconvenientlyslippedin t

g h t h e backdoor handed the l

portfolio directly by the primary contractors, Lindsayca-CH4.

Today, this entity continues to render multimillion-dollar services to Lindsayca-CH4 on the Gasto-Energy site, eﬀectively acting as a massive, unaccountable subcontractor completely shielded from public procurementscrutiny

Despite the father's "disappearance" and the radioactive cloud of bribery allegations hanging over the family name, Jiayi Su was somehow able to secure this critical role in the nation's m o s t e x p e n s i v e infrastructure gamble And the results have been as predictable as they are catastrophic.

S o u r c e s d e e p l y embedded within the civil worksattheWalessitehave confidentially expressed their utter bewilderment to this publication regarding the arrangement. According to these insiders, the hiring oftheSu-linkedentitydefied allengineeringandlogistical logic.Infact,theyreportthat from the exact moment Tropical Construction was broughtonboard,thepaceof the project actually slowed down, grinding to an agonizing crawl Yet, paradoxically, the money just kept flowing out unabated.

Delayswithoutpenalty

owns this entity? Oﬃcial company registry records obtained and reviewed by this publication provide the smokinggun.

Share Certificate Number 01, stamped by the Deeds and Commercial Registries Authority of Demerara on June 3, 2025, explicitly confirms that the beneficial ownership of the company rests with none other than Su Zhirong's daughter, Jiayi Su The document officially certifies Jiayi Su as the owner of

510,000 ordinary shares of thecorporation.

Extraordinaryaward But how did Tropical Construction even get its footinthedoor?Impeccable sources close to the project have revealed a highly irregular

Tropical Construction was never included in the initial bid documents presented to the GTE Task Force. They wereentirelyabsentfromthe original technical evaluations Instead, they

ThecivilworksatWales are currently the primary drivers of massive delays and ballooning cost overruns Yet, Tropical Construction appears to e n j o y a " s e a m l e s s immunity " While other contractorsfacepenaltiesfor delays, Jiayi Su's entity remainsuntouched,shielded fromtheﬁscalconsequences thatshouldfollowsuchgross underperformance. This begs a new, even more disturbing set of questions for the architects oftheGTEproject:

● H o w w a s a company majority-owned byJiayiSu,thedaughterofa questionable "middleman," evergotclearedbytheGTE TaskForce?

● D i d Wi n s t o n Brassington, as the head of the project, overlook the glaring nepotism to ensure the "service fee" machinery continuedtohum?

VP Jagdeo ex-tenant Mr. Su’s daughter bags major contract for Wales gas project

Inthecorridorsofpower inGeorgetown,somenames are whispered with fear, others with reverence, and one—Su Zhirong—with the distinct, lingering scent of a national scandal that this administration is desperate tobury

While the government

p r e a c h e s a b o u t " t r a n s p a r e n c y " t o international investors and the Guyanese public, the 2022 VICE News exposé, "Guyana For Sale," pulled back the curtain on a murky world where national resources are allegedly traded like commodities in private living rooms. At the center of this web sat Su Zhirong—the businessman, the "tenant," and the alleged bridge between foreign capitalandthehighestoﬃce intheland.

The world watched in shock as undercover

Proximityand PlausibleDeniability

Butthisbegsabarrageof criticalquestionsfortheVP: Howdoesaforeignnational, residinginapropertyowned bytheSecondCitizenofthe

OfficialcompanydocumentsforTropicalConstructionand BuildingSuppliesInc.-awardedakeycontractfortheWalesgas project-showthatSu'sdaughter,JiayiSuisthemajorshareholder

country,representhimselfas a "bagman" for the state for years without detection? If Su was merely a "rogue tenant,"whywashegranted suchunfetteredaccesstothe VP's private residence, w h e r e u n d e r c o v e r journalistswitnessedthetwo interacting? Is it standard government policy for "tenants" to broker billiondollar infrastructure deals in theVP'slivingroom?

TropicalConstruction:

TheSuFamily's NewFrontier While Su Zhirong remainsaghost,hisfamily's inﬂuence is very much alive and well—cemented in the veryfoundationoftheUS$2 billion Gas-to-Energy project. Investigative records have identiﬁed Tropical

Construction & Building Supplies Inc (TIN: 150633-608) as a prominent civil contractor for Phase One of the project. But who owns this entity? Oﬃcial company registry records obtained and reviewed by this publication provide the smokinggun.

Construction even get its footinthedoor?Impeccable sources close to the project have revealed a highly irregular and deeply troubling maneuver Tropical Construction was never included in the initial bid documents presented to the GTE Task Force. They wereentirelyabsentfromthe original technical evaluations Instead, they wereconvenientlyslippedin t h r o u g h t h e backdoor handed the lucrative civil works portfolio directly by the primary contractors, Lindsayca-CH4.

This begs a new, even more disturbing set of questions for the architects oftheGTEproject:

● H o w w a s a company majority-owned byJiayiSu,thedaughterofa questionable "middleman," evergotclearedbytheGTE TaskForce?

● D i d Wi n s t o n Brassington, as the head of the project, overlook the glaring nepotism to ensure the "service fee" machinery continuedtohum?

Whereisthe"Chief"?

B u t a m i d s t t h e ballooning costs, the agonizing delays, and the rampant nepotism at Wales, one glaring question remains: Where is the "Chief"?

shielded from public procurementscrutiny

down, grinding to an agonizing crawl Yet, paradoxically, the money just kept ﬂowing out unabated.

Delayswithoutpenalty

Today, this entity continues to render multimillion-dollar services to Lindsayca-CH4 on the Gasto-Energy site, eﬀectively acting as a massive, unaccountable subcontractor completely

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, once the loud and self-proclaimedEnergyTsar of this nation, has grown uncharacteristically and conveniently silent. Having delegatedtheGas-to-Energy Task Force to Winston Brassington a nongovernment consultant operating with supreme authority but zero electoral accountability—the VP has eﬀectively built a ﬁrewall aroundhimself.

While Brassington orchestrates the backdoor deals and the VP hides behind closed doors, others are left to face the music. Prime Minister Mark Phillips is routinely pushed to the podium to peddle unachievable completion dates and empty assurances to a sweltering, frustrated public.

The meticulously constructed machinery of shadow brokers, Puerto Rican shells, and "service fees" perfectly insulates the Vice President and his inner ring.WhentheWalesproject inevitably buckles under the weightofitsowncorruption, itwillbePresidentAliwhois thrown overboard, left to shoulder the political fallout of the greatest ﬁnancial catastrophe in Guyanese history

Until there is a full, independent, international investigation into the allegations raised by VICE News and the speciﬁc backdoor deals enriching Tropical Construction & Building Supplies, the "servicefee"willremainthe unoﬃcial tax on every Guyanese citizen The wolvesarenotjustinthehen house—they are building it, one over-budget civil work atatime.

Suspect arrested, gun retrieved after armed robbery at Vryheid's Lust business

A 27-year-old man of Plaisance, East Coast Demerara, was taken into police custody in relation to an armed robbery at a Vryheid'sLustbusiness.

PolicesaidtherobberyoccurredonApril 24 around 20:00hrs and was committed on a 27-year-oldcashierofMonRepos,a28-yearold spray painter of Vryheid's Lust, and ﬁve othercustomerswhowerepresentatthetime.

Based on police information, the victims were at the business place when two men arrived on a black XR motorcycle from the northerndirection,andenteredthepremises.

Oneofthesuspectswasreportedlyarmed withaﬁrearm,whiletheotherwasarmedwith aknife.Investigatorslearnedthatthesuspects

allegedly pointed the ﬁrearm at the customers,duringwhichthe28-year-oldwas relievedofacellularphoneandasumofcash, and the 27-year-old cashier was relieved of cashfromthebusinessplace.

The suspects then exited the business placeandmadegoodtheirescape.

The police reported that during an eﬀort bypersonsintheareatofollowandintercept them, the armed suspect reportedly discharged rounds, causing damage to two motorvehicles.

“A collision subsequently occurred with the suspects' motorcycle, causing the men to fall into a nearby drain, after which they

(Continuedonpage44)

Life on Guyana's border with Venezuela

ByNazimaRaghubir

The Barima River is integral to connecting the two countries, so important that both countries have established checkpoints on theriverBank.

The forcible removal of Venezuela's President NicholasMaduroinJanuary 2026 still remains fresh in the minds of hundreds of Guyanesewholivealongthe border between Guyana and Venezuela. It is almost as

vivid as Venezuela's referendumheldin2023and the 2025 election in

Ve n e z u e l a w h i c h “appointed”agovernorfora large portion of Guyana knownasEssequibo.

Those two specific developmentsfueledfearsin Guyana of a military takeoverbytheVenezuelans.

Many Guyanese living in border communities migrated briefly to the country'scoastalareaswhile otherswhoremainedintheir v i l l a g e s , m o r e conspicuously displayed their country's “Golden Arrowhead” featured on the nationalflag.

News of Maduro's removal was nevertheless met with mixed reactions eveninGuyana.Whilemany Guyanese celebrated the Venezuelan president's removal and charges in the United States, others were sceptical about what his absence would mean for

Venezuela's decades' old claim to two-thirds of Guyana in the Essequibo region.

Many of these people live in border communities between the two countries. They have seen strange helicopters over their

communities They have either seen or have had interactions with Spanishspeaking gangs and have families in Venezuela who shared online content signalingamilitaryposture.

In Guyana, there are severalcommunitiescloseto the borders with Venezuela, like Etheringbang and Arau in Region Seven and communities like Imbotero and Mabaruma in Region One.

Venezuela was once home to thousands of Guyanese who migrated decadesagotobenefitfroma thriving Venezuelan economy Today, thousands ofVenzuelansareworkingin Guyana – “the fastest growing economy” in the hemisphere since its discoveryofoil.

ManyVenezuelans work in mining and construction while many operate food businessesandareemployed withinthehospitalitysector

CIJN recently visited Guyana's Region One, namely Barima-Waini for a glimpse of life at one of the closestpointstoVenezuela.

M a n y o f t h e s e communities are home to several of the country's indigenous peoples, including the Lokono, Kalina and Warao. Commercial activities are limited in these areas, and many rely on farming, fishingandgoldmining.

There is heavy reliance on boats for transportation and over new roads being constructedindifferentparts of the region There is therefore now an influx of motorvehicles.

Getting to Mabaruma and Port Kaituma from

Police Force sits on the left bankoftheBarimaRiverand justafewmetresawayonthe very river is a naval base operated by the Venezuelan military.

The two structures vary in colour and sizes, the policestationwearsblueand white synonymous with Guyana's police while the naval base flaunts a dark olive green flanked by the distinctive “Bandera de Venezuela” flown close to theriver

Occupants of both buildings observe the daily movement of people on the Barima River This includes the ferry that leaves

Kingston Wharf in Georgetown heading down theBarimaRivertoKumaka Landing in Mabaruma, together with fuel and fishing vessels and smaller passengerboats.

Georgetown can be only done via air and ferry service. The latter can be unreliable and is only availablebetweenthecapital city and these destinations once every three to four weeks.

There are no roads between the capital city or anyotherpartofthecountry thatproducesfoodandother necessities for these communitiesinRegionOne.

So, the cost of air and water travel dictates the prices for food and other itemsbasedonsuchasupply chain. For decades, many Guyanese living in these parts relied heavily on food, clothing and most importantly fuel coming from Venezuela. However, in the last ten years, those supplies have begun to dwindle and can now be describedasbeingindanger ofdisappearingcompletely

For decades, life for many in Guyana's border communities, closer to Venezuela, has been largely dependent on Venezuela Guyanese traded in fuel and food and even had their children integrated into the Venezuelan school and healthcaresystems.

In this examination of this situation, we navigate how this has changed over the decades for many living in Region One border communities. This is done through the experiences of families returning to Guyana, life on the border, and what has become of the unofficial trade between the twocountries.

OntheBorder

It is something to see.

The Imbotero Police Station operated by the Guyana

We are told that people entering Guyana could report to the Immigration Officer at the Police Station and that the Venezuelan soldiers may respond to passersbyintheriver

Thereareafewhomeson the other side of the river including a shop and a fuel port. The shop is critical for peoplewholiveinImbotero including officers at the policestationandsoldiersat thenavalbase.

Venezuelaisdescribedas a “not so distant” land by many who travel between the two countries, “Yuh couldtakeabouttwoorthree hours to reach over there” SimontellsCJIN.

The 47-year-old trader has been operating a small passenger boat between the two countries for years Simon said he would take Guyanese to Venezuela but explained that within the past decade he has been transporting more Venezuelans who live and workinGuyana.

“I don't do a lot of trips lately, it is too harassing but up to last year, I would run about20peopleeverytwoto three days,” Simon told CIJN. Explaining what one of these trips entails, Simon said he would navigate various creeks and rivers in neighbouring Venezuela beforehegetstotheAtlantic Ocean and into the Barima River that separates the two countries.

There are several small communities along the BarimaRiver–amongthem the village of Imbotero. The first checkpoint for entering Guyana is the Imbotero PoliceStation.

Simon boasts that he (Continuedonpage44)

Women washing at theAmacuro Landing (Nazima Raghubir)

One of many homes in the Warao settlement on Khan's Hill (Nazima Raghubir)

JordanBoodhooLeah

Meetthe stunningJordanLeah Boodhoo,aMarketingCoordinatorfor topbrandsinGuyana.Jordanrepresents Wendy’s,PapaJohn’s,PFChang’s,Amiciandmore. Thisweek’sbeautystudiedInternationalRelationsatSt. FrancisCollegeinNewYork,andreturnedtoGuyanain 2025,whereshediscoveredherpassionformarketingand contentcreation.Jordanisdeeplycommittedtohelpingothers, particularlypersonswithdisabilities,andvolunteeringwiththe NationalCommissiononDisabilityinhonourofherlate grandmother,EvelynHamiltonA.A.Jordan’sfavourite quoteisbyWaltDisney:“Wekeepmoving,opening upnewdoorsanddoingnewthings,because we’recurious...andcuriositykeeps leadingusdownnewpaths.”

WEEK-IN-REVIEW

SUNDAY

Exxonquietlyinvesting Guyana’sprofitsinto StabroekBlockwhile countrypatientlyawaiting increasedearnings–Ram …condemns“amateurish” approachbyGovt.

Chartered Accountant and Attorney, Christopher Ram has called out the Government of Guyana (GoG) for what he

ows ExxonMobil to delay this country from receiving a larger portion of revenue,generatedoffshore.

Duringaprogrammehostedby the Oil and Gas Governance Network (OGGN) and aired on KaieteurRadio99.1/99.5FM,Ram pointed to the implications of the refusal by government to ringfence the projects in the Stabroek Block.

This mechanism would require thateachoilprojectpaysforitself. Once the expense related to that project is recovered by Exxon, the contractor and government would equally split all the revenue generated each month, after the operatingexpenseisdeducted.

In the absence of ring-fencing, Exxon takes 75% of all the oil producedtopayforprojectsthatare stilltostartup.

To this end, Ram told listeners and viewers of the programme, hosted by former Stabroek News Editor, Anand Persaud, that Guyana is investing in the developmenttakingplaceoffshore. Bethatasitmay,thecommentator flagged that the country is not recognised as an investor and does not enjoy any additional fiscal benefits.

Heexplained,“Theimplication of this is what is happening, we becomeaninvestorbecausepartof thatmoney–theprofitsharewhich we are foregoing is being invested and we get nothing for that. It’s more like if government is now a joint venture partner in this transaction and it shows a level of amateurishness and disregard for basic principles of overseeing and managing a contract of this significanceandcomplexity.”

Ram argued that the GoG also turned its back on renegotiation, a clear indication that the administration “cannot be trusted” when it comes to “understanding, policy or integrity” relating to the petroleumagreementwithExxon.

The Lawyer agreed that implementing a ring-fencing provision would not require changes to the Petroleum Agreement with Exxon, yet the GoG continues to ignore calls in thisregard.

Without this provision, he noted, “The oil companies have beenpermitted,quiteimproperlyin

my view – to charge future exploration cost of other projects against the wells that are productive Now ring-fencing is implied in almost every contract but we don’t apply it. They have defended it and again we find this obscenity not to apply modern methods of transacting a kind of profit-sharing agreement, so it’s beingdrivenbythecontractors.

“Renegotiatethosecontracts”

Previously, a passionate and almostangryBharratJagdeowhile functioning as Leader of the Opposition, said in an interview that the then A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Coalition government “sold” the country to

“foreigners” because that administration failed to include ring-fencing to shore up profits fromthe2016PSAwithExxon.

At that time, Jagdeo assured thatwhenthePeople’sProgressive Party Civic (PPP/C) returned to office, this would be a priority whenthecontractisrenegotiated.

“They sold us out to the foreigners. The oil companies, everytimethereisafindoutthere, our people should be sad because nothing comes our way We are gonna renegotiate those contracts because that’s not what we had in mind,”Jagdeosaid.

He added, “When we were in theearlydays,wewerecoaxingthe people (ExxonMobil) to go along. They(Coalition)cameintooffice–three billion barrels of proven reserves and they gave up zero royalties, no taxes, no ringfencing.”

After taking office in 2020, the now Vice President (VP) supports thelackofring-fencing,aprovision he believes will allow this country tobenefitfrommassiverevenuesin the future. He is also an adamant defender of the sanctity of contracts, which government

believesbindsthemtothelopsided termsintheagreement.

Exxonandpartnersprofits soartoUS$29Bin5years whileGuyanareceived US$5.4Bin50/50partnership …OGGNdemandsanswers fromGovernment

Between 2020 and 2024, ExxonMobil, Hess and CNOOC, the Stabroek Block partners

recorded massive profits, amountingtoUS$29Bwhilebarely US$5.4B flowed into the Natural Resource Fund (NRF) the nation’s oilaccountduringthesameperiod.

Highlighting this was the Oil and Gas Governance Network (OGGN), a non-profit body registeredinNewYork,comprising Guyanese scholars based locally andabroad.

In a statement shared with this newspaper,OGGNdemonstrateda stark difference in the profits received by Guyana and the oil companies Notably, the 2016

Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) clearly states that profits should be shared equally between Guyana and the contractor In addition to profits however, Guyana receives 2% from gross production as royalty This means that Guyana’s total share should exceedthecontractor’s.

OGGN however pointed out thatGuyanaearnedfarlessthanthe Stabroek partners between 2020 and 2024 according to financial statements publicly available, an alarming development which warrants an explanation from the GovernmentofGuyana(GoG).

The NGO explained that some US$9 1B is missing from the country’s oil account, in accordance with the Petroleum Agreement and financials of the threecompanies.

It said, “The core issue presentedisstraightforward:Based ona50/50profit-sharingmodeland atotalestimatedprofitoilofUS$29 billion, Guyana was expected to receive profit oil of US$14.5 billion. However, inspecting Bank of Guyana audited financial s t a t e m e n t s , s e e https://bankofguyana.org.gy/bog/p ublications/natural-resourcefund/audited-financial-statements, the actual amount of profit oil Guyana received from 2020 to 2024wasUS$5.4billion.”

This therefore means that instead of 50% profits, Guyana only saw 18 6% of profits generatedovertheperiod.

“The public deserves to understand how this substantial shortfall occurred We urge the Government of Guyana to provide a comprehensive, transparent account of the oil revenue management process This must include a clear explanation of all deductions and costs that reduce Guyana’s share (and) a plan to strengthen independent oversight

ofthesector,”theNetworkadded. Thegroupwaskeentonotethat thefutureofGuyanaisinextricably linked to the fair and transparent managementofitsoilresources.

AboutOGGN: OGGN was founded in 2017 and is composed of Guyanese at homeandabroad.Itisregisteredas 501(c)(3)non-profitinNewYork. Thegroup’smissionistoadvocate for the rule of law, environmental protection, and strict financial norms when it comes to oil exploration and production in Guyana.

MONDAY

Gas-to-Energycontractor sourcingmaterials, servicesatinflatedcosts fromshellcompanies

As project costs continue to balloon through luxurious private flights and multimillion-dollar disputes, Gas-to-Energy (GTE) contractor, Lindsayca has been growing its profit margin as the governmentturnsablindeyetothe questionable business practices beingcarriedoutblatantly

Not only is Lindsayca not payinganytaxestothiscountry,but the company has found a way to further bleed Guyana’s treasury, sourcing materials and services fromitselfthroughshellcompanies setupabroad.

Documents seen by this newspaper indicate that the contractor is linked to two shell companies in Puerto Rico, where thecompanypipesitsprofits.

Infact,theinvestigationintothe contractors’ corporate structure reveals a deliberate strategy to utilise Puerto Rico’s Act 60 (the Incentives Code) to shield profits from both Guyanese and U S mainlandtaxes.

Thepapertrailleadsdirectlyto

Continued on page 21

CharteredAccountant and Attorney, Christopher Ram

Invoices showing shell companies procuring materials on behalf of Lindsayca Guyana Inc. and the company clearly making purchases from Lindsayca RD SAS, which shares the same owner as the company executing works on the local GTE project.

Frompage20

the Puerto Rico Department of State.Keyentitiessitattheheartof this financial web: Lindsayca PR LLC (Registry File #508178-112) and Lindsayca CH4 Development PR LLC (Registry File #5301471511). These are not operational centers of engineering but highefficiencytaxshields.

Sources familiar with the company explained, “By routing the project’s financial transactions through these San Juan shells, the executives can claim a staggering 4%corporatetaxrateand0%taxon capitalgains.”

The rabbit hole deepens with the involvement of Venequip Puerto Rico LLC (Registry File #401268-1511),anentitytiedtothe Venezuelan Bellosta family This specific registry entry exposes a critical question: Why does a project requiring transparency maintainanetworkofrelated-party shell companies in a tax haven?

Information received by this newspaper suggests that these entities serve to create “synthetic” costs, allowing the contractors to “sell” services and equipment to themselvesatinflatedrates.

According to invoices and official company records seen by

K a i e t e u r N e w s ,

C O M M O N W E A L T H PROCUREMENT LLC; CH4 Systems LLC and BANCO SAN JUAN INTERNACIONAL INC areallregisteredinPuertoRicoand sharethesameaddress.

One invoice acquired by this n e w s p a p e r s h o w s t h a t

C O M M O N W E A L T H PROCUREMENT LLC, run by HectorFuentes-thesameownerof Lindsayca Guyana- made several purchases from Mexico for the GTE project in Guyana. Notably, the transaction was not carried out by the company contracted by Guyana but through one of its shells.

More invoices exposed Siemens Energy Transformer Company making a purchase on behalf of COMMONWEALTH PROCUREMENT LLC, again raisingredflags.

In a more blatant transaction, Lindsayca Guyana Inc made a directpurchasefromLindsaycaRD SAS, ashellcompanyoperatingin theDominicanRepublicandshares thesameowners,HectorandJesus FuentesGuaimare.

Instead of purchasing equipment directly from the supplier,Lindsaycahasbeenusing these entities to procure materials, which it would then repurchase, driving up the cost of the infrastructure atWales,West Bank Demeraraandenrichingitsowners while Guyanese suffer endless blackoutsandhighelectricitycosts.

Sources explained, “By allowing the contractor to

consortiumto“manufacturealoss” in-countrywhilestashingtheactual profitsoverseas.Wearenowseeing the endgame of this shell game: while the contractors claim they have “run out of funds” and are currently demanding an additional US$250 million in arbitration disputes, their offshore accounts areballooning.”

The government is essentially turningablindeyetothisfinancial bleedingthroughitsfailuretoaudit related-partytransactions.

With such blatant offshore maneuvering, one must ask: How do Winston Brassington and the Gas-to-Energy Task Force allow Lindsayca to continue to qualify andbidforthemostcriticalprojects inthecountry—suchasGAUP(the ammonia and urea plant), Gas-toEnergyPhaseII,theRefineryRFP, andtheNGLOperation?

GuyanapaidUS$264.6Min debtservicingfor2025

Guyana’s total debt service payments for 2025 amounted to US$264.6 million, with US$176.6 million paid to external creditors and US$88 million to domestic creditors.

While presenting the PPP/C Government’s$1.5trillionnational budget for 2026, Senior Minister withresponsibilityforFinance,Dr Ashni Singh, said external debt servicing accounted for 66.7% of total payments, while domestic debtservicerepresented33.3%.He noted that the increase in external paymentswaslargelyduetohigher bilateralobligations.

The disclosures come against the backdrop of a sharp rise in Guyana’s overall Public and Publicly Guaranteed (PPG) debt, whichclimbedtoUS$7.7billionat theendof2025,upfromUS$5.993 billionthepreviousyear

According to Minister Singh, multilateral creditors held the largest share of external PPG debt at 64%, followed by bilateral creditors at 30 1% and private creditorsat5.9%. Onthedomestic side, treasury bills (T-Bills) dominated the debt profile,

accounting for 82.5%, an increase of 6 2% from a year earlier Debentures accounted for the remaining 17.5%. Moreover, the finance minister stated that Guyana’s debt sustainability indicators have continued to improve.

“Our government continues to balance the financing of our transformation agenda with the preservation of fiscal and debt sustainability,” Singh told the NationalAssemblyearlierthisyear “We remain committed to the responsible and transparent management of public debt within prudentcostandriskparameters.”

A review of figures from the Ministry of Finance’s budget presentations shows a steady and significant increase in Guyana’s publicandpubliclyguaranteeddebt overthepastfiveyears.Attheend of 2020, total PPG debt stood at US$2,592.2 million. This rose to US$3,126.7millionin2021,before climbing further to US$3,654 9 million at the end of 2022. By the close of 2023, the country’s total PPG debt had reached US$4,508.8 million, followed by a sharp increase to US$5,993.8 million at theendof2024.

Despite the increased borrowing, Dr Singh stated that Guyana’s debt is projected to remain sustainable into the medium-term,evenasgovernment advances its comprehensive development and transformation programme.

TUESDAY

Conflictofinterest eruptsinGasto-energy debacle:Govtandcontractor sharingsamelawyer …attorney helped draft contract that led to Guyana losing US$102M dispute

Guyana has lost a dispute with the Gas-to-Energy (GTE) contractor, Lindsayca-CH4, a costly setback that continues to raise questions about the oversight structureofthenation’ssinglemost expensiveprojecttodate.

At the heart of this loss is the very contract that the Government of Guyana (GoG) negotiated and signed with the consortium that continues to be hidden from the public.

Leadingthenegotiationsforthe contractor is a lawyer with a glitteringinternationalresume,and the unchallenged President of the American Chamber of Commerce (AMCHAM) Guyana, Devindra “Dave”Kissoon.

Kissoon’s law firm, London House Chambers (LHC) not only assistedthecompanyinnegotiating the contract, but also helped the overseas based firm to win a disputeagainsttheGoG,hissecond client.

TheMasterofBothSides

Inwhatcanonlybedescribedas

London House Chambers website shows the law firm assisted the consortium in negotiating the GTE contract with the GoG.

Foundingmemberof LondonHouseChambers andPresidentofthe AmericanChamberof Commerce

a glaring conflict of interest, the lawyer operated as a bridge between the foreign LindsaycaCH4 consortium and Winston Brassington’s government task force, simultaneously representing bothsidesoftheproject.

Kissoon is the personal lawyer to Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo. When the Vice President found himself backed into a corner, slapped with a GYD$20 million defaultjudgmentinalibelsuitfiled by former Minister Annette Ferguson it was Kissoon who was summoned to clean up the mess.

Kissoon aggressively fought the judgment through the Demerara FullCourt,theCourtofAppeal,and ultimatelysecuredareversalatthe

CaribbeanCourtofJustice(CCJ)in early 2024 Recent High Court filingsrevealedthatKissoonserves asaprominentretainedcounselfor theMinisterofNaturalResources. According to court documents

constitutional and administrative case Atlantic Golds Inc. v The Guyana Geology and Mines Commission and The Minister of Natural Resources the Attorney General formally appointed Kissoon and his firm, London House Chambers, as the attorneys ofrecordfortheMinister

Ministry’s Head of Policy, Planning, and Coordination, alongside official Notices of Application for extensions of time filedbyKissoon,furthercementhis role as a premier defender of the state’s natural resource apparatus. TheMinistryofNaturalResources isthecentralgovernmentauthority overseeing Guyana’s oil and gas sector and although does not have direct ministerial oversight of the gas-to-energyprojectitservesasa link While acting as the legal defender for the very ministry tasked with protecting Guyana’s energy interests, Kissoon has simultaneously been retained by CH4 and the Lindsayca-CH4 consortiumsince2021.

y Kaieteur News, while Kissoon enjoysultimateinsiderstatusatthe Ministry of Natural Resources, he representedthesesameforeign Continued on page 22

Senior Minister with responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh

(AMCHAM) Guyana,Devindra “Dave”Kissoon

Frompage21 contractorswhentheysuccessfully dragged the government to the DAABandextractedaUS$102.7M settlement.

TheUS$759M Gas-to-EnergyScandal

In December 2022, the

Government of Guyana awarded a massive US$759M contract to the US-based consortium LindsaycaCH4 to construct an Integrated Natural Gas Liquids (NGL) plant and a 300-megawatt power plant. As prominently advertised on his own firm’s website, Devindra Kissoon served as the lawyer for CH4, the entity behind this monumentaldeal.

FastforwardtoApril2026,and the “deal of the century” has devolved into a multi-milliondollar catastrophe Following extensive project delays and internal wrangling within the consortium, Lindsayca/CH4 hauled the Guyanese government beforeaDAAB.

What began as a highly-touted infrastructure deal has morphed into a massive financial haemorrhage for the state. Sources indicate that during the formation ofthecontract, Brassington—head of the GTE Taskforce and the g o v e r n m e n t ’ s c h i e f negotiator—specifically requested that the contractors grant a waiver to allow Kissoon to provide a critical legal opinion on the arbitration venue and matters relevant to dispute resolution withinthecontractitself.

“By operating under this waiver, Kissoon effectively played both sides of the billion-dollar table. He helped author the very dispute resolution and arbitration clauses that would govern any future conflict. Years later, those exact clauses were weaponized by his clients (the contractors) to legallyambushthegovernmentand Winston Brassington’s taskforce,” sources close to the process revealed.

The legal advice requested and facilitated by the state’s own negotiators ultimately returned to bite the government, currently costing Guyanese taxpayers over US$100 million in damages Addinganotherlayeroftheconflict ofinterestisthefactthatKissoon’s firm also acts as legal counsel for Guyana Power and Light (GPL) the state-owned utility thatservesastheultimateofftaker and distributor of the electricity supposed to be generated by the Gas-to-Energyproject.

TwoGuyanesefreed, anothertostandtrialfor deadlygasstationbombing

The Preliminary Inquiry into the deadly gas station bombing concluded on Monday at the Leonora Magistrate’s Court 2, resultinginasplitlegaloutcomefor

threeindividualsaccusedofaiding and abetting the crime of October 26,2025.

The deadly blast killed sixyear-oldSorayaBourneandinjured unsuspecting shoppers, workers andcommuters.

Principal Magistrate Alisha George upheld a no-case submission made by defense attorneyBernardDaSilvaonbehalf of 51-year-old Ramesh Pramdeo and 44-year-old Wayne Corriea, effectively discharging them of all charges.However,athirdaccused, JenniferRodrigueswascommitted tostandtrialintheHighCourtafter thecourtfoundsufficientevidence to establish a prima facie case againsther

The trio was jointly charged withTerrorism,contrarytoSection 309(A)(1)(b)(i) of the Criminal Law (Offences)Act, Chapter 8:01.

Theprosecution’scaseallegedthat Pramdeo and Corriea aided and abetted DanielAlexander Ramirez Poedomo (alias ‘Kynny’) and

Alexander Be

committing a terrorist act that resulted in the death of Soraya Bourne.

Under Guyanese law, the charge of terrorism carries a potentialpenaltyofdeathiftheact resultsinthelossoflife.Duringthe proceedings,theStatearguedthatit onlyneededtoestablishprimafacie proof.Theprosecutionhighlighted that a terrorist act was committed, the accused aided or abetted the commission of said act and the accused knew or ought to have known their actions were facilitatingterrorism.

Theprosecutionteampresented a massive volume of evidence to the court, including two hundred and forty-four (244) statements from witnesses, thirty-nine (39) documentary exhibits, sixty-one (61) discs, three (3) sets of photographs and one flash drive. The State cited legal precedents such as R v Galbraith and State v Alvin Mitchell, arguing that the

Magistrate’s role at this stage was not to determine final guilt, but to assess if the evidence was strong enoughtoproceedtoahighercourt.

Despitethevolumeofevidence submitted, DaSilva successfully argued that the evidence against Pramdeo and Corriea was insufficient to link them to the crime as accessories After reviewing the submissions, Magistrate George agreed that the prosecutionhadfailedtoestablisha prima facie case against the two men.

Incontrast,theevidenceagainst Jennifer Rodrigues was deemed sufficienttowarrantatrialbeforea judgeandjury Sheremainsthesole individual from this group now facing the High Court for the capital offense The case stems from a broader investigation involvingseveralotherindividuals, including Krystal LaCruz and Jhonny Boodram, who were previously charged in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court in connectionwiththesameincident.

WEDNESDAY

Walesgasplantcontractor nowwantsUS$250Mmoreto completeprojectbyyear-end

The Wales Gas-to-Energy (GTE) contractor is seeking an additional US$250M to complete the controversial project which is unlikely to meet its 206-year end deadline.

LindsaycaDevelopmentLLPin its Annual Report for the year ended 31 December 2024 revealed that talks were ongoing with the Government of Guyana (GoG) to increasethepricetagontheNatural Gas Liquids (NGL) facility and

300-megawattpowerplant. According to the Report, “Negotiations with the Government of Guyana for a significant contract price adjustment are at an advanced stage,providingstrongevidenceof the Group’s ability to continue to meetitscommitments.”

Meanwhile,sourcesclosetothe process told this newspaper that the company has made a proposal to the government for a whopping US$250M however, the GTE Taskforce headed by Winston Brassington is considering US$170M to comple

e construction activities The President, Dr Irfaan Ali however holds a different perspective, according to insiders He is reportedly against any additional paymentstothecompany

In addition to the additional sums

contractor, the company has alr

st over US$102M from a dispute with g

he company is expected to complete thegasplantsinWalesbytheendof 2026, technical experts say this is highlyunlikely

In fact, sources explained that ExxonMobilrecentlyconductedan “internal review” at the request of the GoG which showed that the 2026deadlinewillnotbemet.

ThecontinuousdelaysatWales not only mean more blackouts and heavy electricity tariffs for customers of the Guyana Power andLight(GPL)Incbutalsocostly rental contracts to meet the shorttermenergyneedsofthecountry

Moreover,arecentreportinThe Economist(April5,2026) Continued on page 32

The GTE site

Have you ever seen an emotionally dysregulated parent, teacher or caregiver typing to get a child emotionally regulated? Yeah, it’s a nightmare. Can you imagine parents crashingoutonchildrenwho are emotionally dysregulated or throwing tantrums, but theseveryadultsdothesame totheirparents,partners,and others? Children do not throw tantrums because they wanttogiveparents,teachers or caregivers a hard time They are throwing tantrums because they are having a hard time Emotional dysregulation goes hand in hand with a dysregulated nervous system. Hence, it’s an intergenerational response. By age 5, a child should be able to stop throwing tantrums and regulate their emotions. If not, it’s a reflection on the parent.

WhatisSelf-Regulation?

Self-regulation is the process that your child’s braingoesthroughthatgives them the ability to control

their behaviours and emotions in response to a particular situation It’s having the skill to calm yourselfdownwhenyouget upset,toadjusttoachangein e n v i r o n m e n t o r expectations, and to handle frustration without outbursts When children share,listentoothers,orwait theirturn,theyarepractising self-control. It’s what we as parentscalla“win!”

Self-regulation is a foundational skill of early childhood. It’s the seed we plant that allows children to grow into adults who can manage their emotions, thoughts, and behaviours. If wegivechildrenstrategiesto stay calm in stressful situations, they develop strong habits that they can apply in the future Remember,thereisnosingle event that will magically kick-start a child’s perfect self-regulation Just as children physically develop at different rates, they also develop self-control at differentrates.Buildingyour child’s self-regulation toolkit requires thoughtful planningandunderstanding.

1.Model Calmness: Manage your own emotions first; children learn by watching; managing your own emotions sets the foundation. Children mirror the emotions of the adults around them Approach outbursts with a calm

Towards a better life with your psychologist

RegulatingChildren’sEmotions

presencetoprovidea“sturdy leader”forthemtoleanon.If you are dysregulated, avoid dealing with the situation. You can be shouting at the child to stop shouting Threatening an ultimatum

only exacerbates the situation. Saying stop, shut up,don’tcry,etc.,areallnonos.

KeyStrategiesforParent Self-Regulation

The Pause and Breathe: Before reacting, pause and breathe. Let your nervous system calm down This reducesthechanceofakneejerk,angryreaction.

Physical Separation: If needed, step away, leave the room, or turn your back on your child to take a moment foryourself.

S e l f - T a l k a n d

Perspective: Remind yourself, ‘this is hard, not because I am doing something wrong ’ You mightsay,‘Iamtheadult.’

Self-care: Regular exercise,reading,expanding your mind, and accepting your reality can keep you regulated. Meditation or physicalactivityalsohelps.

2.TeachtheChildto NameTheirFeelings

Children regulate emotions better when they canidentifywhattheyfeel. Howtodoit:Usefeeling words often Try happy, frustrated, worried, jealous, excited, overwhelmed, uncertain,ordissatisfied.

Saythingslike:“Youlook frustrated because the toy broke.” “Are you feeling nervousaboutschool?”What are you uncomfortable with? Dialogue and connection are mostimportant You Why it works: Naming emotions activates thinking partsofthebrainandreduces emotionaloverwhelm.

3.TeachSimple CalmingTools

Giveyourchildpractical toolstheycanuseanywhere. Goodstartertools:

Deep breathing. Breathe in, hold it for 6 seconds, exhaleforanother6.Dothis about 5 to 7 times. Breathe through the nostrils only If you are dysregulated, too, this is a perfect exercise for both of you Smell the flower Get access to one if possible and work on it together

Blow the candle. This willworkbestatnight,butit will also be effective during the day for emotional regulation.Countto10,then count from 10 to 1. This engages the brain and helps

to regulate the nervous system by shifting focus. Maketheseexercisesfun. Take a break if they are frustrated or disappointed. Offer age-appropriate decision-making. Squeeze a stress ball. Pause during a board game or before brainstorming the next activity Draw their feelings Accept that they have preferences and should exercisethemaslongasthey don’t violate moral

principles Does your child know they can say NO to you? Are you willing to acceptthisasaprivilegeofa humanbeing?

Practice these when calm, not just during meltdowns. If a parent or adult does not have a connection with the child, helping them to regulate their emotions will be difficult.

4.CreateaSafe“Calm DownSpace”

Not punishment a supportive place. The space can include, but not be limitedto Soft pillow or chair

Books or drawing materials, ask them to draw their fears or feelings. For those above 7,youcanaskthemtowritea short story about how they feel.Emotionchart,showing allthetypesofemotionsand feelings Ask them to identify which one they are experiencing. Your child’s understanding of anger or tantrums is not wrong; it’s about how to express it in

respect Rather than correctingachild,say“when we are upset, we don’t hit others”,ratherthanyoumust nothit”

5.ValidateFeelings (EvenWhenBehaviour Isn’tOkay)

Children need to feel

u n d e r s t o o d , n o t dismissed especially our sons When possible, take a breakandattendtoyourchild

If you must postpone, explain: “After I finish one and two, I will come so you and I can address your challenges.” As a parent, buildagoodtrackrecord be reliableandcredible

Say this: “I see you’re angry How can I help? “It’s okay to feel mad. How can we work on this together? “It’snotokaytohit.Butthis is how you can share your problem or get help without hitting” Avoid: “Stop crying ” “You’re fine ” “Don’t be dramatic.” “You want something to cry for?”

Validation re

emotionalintensity

6.TeachProblemSolvingSkills

After emotions settle, guidethemtosolutions.Ask: “What happened?” “What canwedonexttime?”“What would help?” This builds independence, self-esteem andconfidence.Thisreduces future problems and helps create an emotionally mature, emotionally intelligentchild.

7.UseDailyEmotional Check-ins

Short conversations build emotional awareness. Try:“Whatmadeyouhappy today?”“Didanythingmake youfeelupset?Howdidyou handle it?” “What helped youfeelbetter?”Dinnertime orbedtimeworkswell.

8.PraiseEmotionalEffort (NotJustBehaviour)

Recognisewhentheytry to regulate. Say: “You took

deepbreaths—greatjob calming down!” “You usedyourwordsinstead of yelling ” Positive r e i n f o r c e m e n t strengthenshabits.

9.TeachEmotional RegulationThrough Play

Playmakeslearning emotional skills natural. I

feelings. Read books about emotions Use emotion cards Play ‘Guess the Feeling.’

Age-SpecificTips

Toddlers (2–4 years): Use simple words. Focus on calming routines Expect freque

outbursts.

Young Children (5–8 years): Teach coping s

problem-solving. Use visual charts.

Older Children (9–12 years): Encourage journaling Teach selfreflection Discuss the consequencesofactions. TheBigPicture Empowering emotional regulation isn’t about stopping feelings it’s about teaching children to handle feelings safely and confidently. Consistency mattersmorethanperfection. Small daily efforts build strong emotional skills over time And what are the methods of qualitative research?

By Dr. Telford Layne Jr. PsyD, MSc. Postgrad, BSc. Clinical and Developmental Psychologist - Psychoanalyst Unwrapping Gift -Clinic

ByDr.KarenAbrams

Advancing Education, Technology & Innovation in Guyana…

Building the Ecosystem Guyana needs for innovation, inclusion and efficient development

Two years ago, a young Guyanese innovator named Maryam Bacchus looked around her community and saw a problem that many adults had learned to complainaboutbutnotsolve.Trash disposal, illegal dumping and littering were not abstract environmental issues. They were visible, persistent, communitylevel problems affecting public health, civic pride, drainage, flooding,tourismandthedignityof everydaylife.

Maryam did what innovators do She observed She asked questions. She tried to understand the scope of the problem. She researched the relevant data. She studied possible solutions. Then she spent months building an app called Litta Reporta, a citizenreporting tool designed to allow ordinary people to document littering, identify problem areas, report waste disposal issues, and help communities and agencies respondwithbetterinformation.

Thatisinnovation.

To be clear, I have had no conversation with Maryam about the proceeding, I am informed based on observation and recollection and a personal knowledge of the challenges women in STEM face and the challengesIhavehadtonavigatein my 10 years working in Guyana’s immatureinnovationecosystem.

Maryam’sstoryisalsonotonly about a young woman coding an app. It is essentially about a young person seeing a national problem, refusing to accept it as normal, gathering information, designing a solution, and investing months in attempting to place technology in theserviceofpublicgood.

I do not know every detail of Maryam’s journey I do not know which public agencies or private companies were approached, whichpartnershipsweresought,or which doors opened and which doors closed. But I know this; the MaryamBacchussesofGuyanaare exactlywhothiscountryneeds.

And that is why her story matterssomuchnow

Two years after Maryam completed Litta Reporta, the Environmental Protection Agency has promoted a litter reporting platform, Clean592, described publicly as a web-based litter reporting application that allows citizens to report littering. The EPA’se-servicesplatformalsonow allows citizens to report pollution orenvironmentaldamageandtrack complaints by reference number The Government has also announced renewed efforts to

activate and strengthen litter laws, including penalties and enforcement mechanisms under long-standingregulations.

That is a good thing. Guyana needs modern environmental reporting systems. We need stronger enforcement. We need citizen participation. We need technologytomakepublicservices moreresponsive.

But we must also ask a deeper question.WhenayoungGuyanese has already identified the same problem, built a similar solution, anddemonstratedtheverythinking wesaywewantfromouryouth,do wesimplymovepasther?Ordowe bringherin?

Hopefully, any oversight will be rectified, and the EPA will engage Maryam, not only to leverage her app, but to leverage her thinking, her creativity, her research, her brilliance, her courage, and her vision for that space. Because the most valuable thingMaryambuiltwasnotonlyan app. She built proof that young Guyanese can see local problems clearly and imagine practical solutions.

That is the beginning of an innovationecosystem.

IknowthisbecauseIhavelived it.

In2014,myfourchildrenwere watching the stories of citizens beingshotbypoliceofficersinthe UnitedStates.Theseincidentswere creating national protests, fear, anger and division. My husband and I talked with them often about whattheywereseeing.Eventually, we encouraged them to use the knowledge and confidence they had gained from their STEM club experience to build something useful.

They created an app called FIVE-O, designed to help citizens document interactions with police officers. The app went viral in the United States They were interviewed by more than 50 national and international media companies. They were invited to present at The Hague in the Netherlands, through the Innovating Justice program, and theywon22,000Euros.

But money was not the most importantoutcome.

The most important outcome wasthattheirworkwasnoticedby Silicon Valley billionaire Ben Horowitz and his wife Felicia Horowitz,whoinvitedthemtovisit Silicon Valley companies. They metCEOs.TheyvisitedFacebook. They formed relationships that changed how they saw themselves and what they believed was possible.

That experience helped open

doorstotopuniversities,including Stanford, Cornell, NYU and Boston University Today, all four areinnovatorsintheirownfields.

Thatiswhatanecosystemdoes. It does not merely admire talent after the world validates it. It identifiestalentearly.Itprotectsit. It introduces it to mentors. It connectsittoinstitutions.Itgivesit room to fail, revise and grow It surrounds young people with peoplewhosay,“Thisideamatters. Letushelpyoutakeitfurther.”

TheUnitedStatesisnotperfect. Bias exists Inequality exists Accessisuneven.Butonethingthe UnitedStateshasunderstoodbetter thanmanycountriesisthattalentis anationalasset.Ifayoungpersonis exceptional at coding, robotics, music, athletics, science, business or design, there is often a pathway somewheretonurturethattalent.A school, a competition, a foundation, an accelerator, a university, a mentor, a journalist, a philanthropist or an investor may step forward and help convert promiseintoopportunity

Guyana must now make that samedecisiondeliberately

We are at a crossroads. Oil revenue has changed the scale of oureconomy Reutersreportedthat Guyana’s economy was projected to grow by 16.2 percent in 2026, after 19.3 percent growth in 2025, withoilandgascontinuingtodrive expansion. The report also noted thatthenon-oilsectorgrewby14.3 percentin2025.Thesenumbersare extraordinary But national wealth alone does not create national innovation.

Innovation requires an ecosystem.

Research has been saying this for years.Amajor empirical study by Fagerberg and Srholec, using datafrom115countries,foundthat innovation s

ms and governance are especially imp

nomic development In other words, countriesdonotbecomedeveloped simply because they have capital. Theybecomedevelopedwhenthey build capabilities, institutions, knowledge systems and governance structures that allow peopletoturnideasintovalue.

The World Bank’s work on entrepreneurial ecosystems makes asimilarpoint.Itarguesthatstrong ecosystems require human capital, managerial capability, knowledge, entrepreneur talent, public programs, enabling organizations and local diagnostics that identify where the real gaps are. These factors are structural. They take investment, time and coordination tomature.

This is where Guyana must be

careful.

We cannot confuse buildings withecosystems.

A building can house innovation, but a building is not innovation. A lab can support innovation, but a lab is not an ecosystem.Ahackathoncanexcite young people, but a hackathon withoutfollow-upcanbecomelittle more than a photo opportunity A grant can help, but a grant without mentorship, procurement access, institutional respect and long-term support may die quietly after the launch.

A true innovation ecosystem hasmanymovingparts.Itincludes schools that teach children to identify problems and build solutions. It includes universities that support research and commercialization.

It includes government agencies willing to partner with young innovators instead of treating them as outsiders It includesprivatecompanieswilling to pilot local solutions. It includes investorswillingtotakeintelligent risks.

It includes media willing to celebrate serious innovation, not only entertainment and politics. It includes laws and procurement systems that are fair, transparent and accessible to small local innovators.

That is the missing muscle Guyanamustbuild.

When a young person builds a litter reporting app, the response should not be polite applause and silence. The response should be a structured pathway; review the prototype, test it in one municipality,connecttheinnovator to the EPA, the Ministry of Local Government, city councils, community groups, sanitation c

environmental clubs Provide technical feedback. Provide data. Provide mentorship Provide a small innovation grant. Provide legal guidance on intellectual property Provide a public demonstration opportunity Provide a procurement pathway if thesolutionworks.

That is how countries convert youthful creativity into national capacity

Andthismustbedonefairly Innovation cannot be reserved for the children of the connected, thewealthy,thepoliticallyfavored orthealreadyvisible.Ifwebuildan ecosystem that rewards only proximity to power, we will reproduce the same inequality that haslimitedGuyanaforgenerations. We will lose the village child who sees a drainage problem. We will losetheBerbicechildwhodesigns

anagriculturalsensor Wewilllose the Linden child who builds a miningsafetytool.Wewilllosethe Essequibo child who creates a tourism platform. We will lose the hinterland child who imagines a better way to deliver education, health care or emergency communication to remote communities.

Guyana’s innovation ecosystem must be national, not Georgetown-centered. It must be fair,notfriends-and-family-driven. It must be open, not guarded by gatekeepers It must reward problem-solving, not political loyalty

This is especially important because many of Guyana’s biggest challenges are exactly the kinds of challenges young innovators can help solve. Waste management. Flooding.Agriculture.Roadsafety Public health Education gaps

Tourism Small business digitization Citizen reporting Community security Renewable energy Disability access Indigenous language preservation. Disaster response. Transportation. Governmentservicedelivery Our children live with these problemseveryday Theyseewhat adults normalize They know where systems break down. And whengiventhetools,theycanbuild solutions that are practical, local andfresh.

Buttheyneedanecosystemthat takes them seriously Imagine if every promising youth project had a pathway To be clear, not every app will become a company Nine (9)outof10failintheUS,butthat does not stop the US commitment to innovation. Not every prototype willwork.

Noteveryyounginnovatorwill become a founder That is not the point.Thepointistobuildaculture where young people learn that problems are not only to be endured, complained about or politicized Problems can be studied. Problems can be mapped. Problems can be measured Problemscanbesolved.

That mindset may be more valuable than oil. Oil can build roads, bridges and buildings Innovation builds people. Oil can fund development Innovation sustainsit. Oilcanmakeacountry rich Innovation can make a countrycapable.

Maryam Bacchus did what we say we want our young people to do. She looked at Guyana, saw a problem, studied it, and built something.Thequestioniswhether Guyana has built enough of an ecosystemtoreceivehergift.

The answer, so far, is not yet. Butwecan.

RAISING THE STANDARD: GNBS CHAMPIONS WORKPLACE SAFETY

Asafe working environment is important, but workplaces don’t become safebychance;theybecome safe by choice At the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS), Occupational Safety and Health(OSH)isapriorityas we work to protect lives, strengthen productivity and build a culture where safety iseveryone’sresponsibility

TheOSHactivitiesatthe GNBS are guided by a comprehensive policy that underscores a commitment to providing a safe and healthy work environment for all employees and

visitors, thereby preventing work-related injury and ill health. It further commits to ensuring that applicable regulatory and other requirements are met and that consultations on safety and health issues are conducted with workers and theirunionrepresentatives.

T h e p o l i c y i s implemented by a committee, comprising management and other employees, which conducts periodic safety inspections, safety meetings, and coordinates relevant safety trainingforemployees.

On April 9-10, the committeepartneredwithSt.

John’s Association Guyana tooffertrainingonFirstAid, C a r d i o p u l m o n a r y Resuscitation(CPR),andthe use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) to aid a person experiencing cardiac arrest. Employees were given the opportunity to participate in several practical sessions, including wound dressing, performing CPR, using the AED, and other skills required to respond to workplace emergencies Eachparticipantwasissueda certificate valid for three years.

The GNBS OSH committee has, over the

years, mobilised employees to participate in various activities hosted by the Ministry of Labour and Manpower Planning for OSH month, including the annual walk. This year’s walk is slated for Sunday April 26 from the Square of the Revolution to Kingston, Georgetown and forms part of the Ministry’s national “Putting Safety First” Campaign2026.

Aside from the work donebytheOSHcommittee and GNBS management, employeesplayakeyrolein ensuring they adhere to safety rules. The Bureau’s OSH policy notes that there is zero tolerance for employee noncompliance with safety procedures; staff are required to utilise all safety equipment provided andtocomplywiththeOSH Act of 1997 and its

regulatory requirements

The GNBS OSH Policy is reviewed annually as required by the Ministry of Labour

As the Bureau works to enhance workplace safety internally, training and technical assistance are also offered externally to other businessesandorganisations to help implement safety standards, including ISO 45001:2018, Occupational Health and Safety Management SystemsRequi

guidance for use This standard offers a systematic approach to identifying hazards,managingrisks,and fostering safer, more resilient workplaces for all. Training is also provided to laboratory personnel on the GYS 235:2024 general requirements for safety in laboratories.

GNBSalsoservesonthe Nat

Committee on Occupational S

th (NACOSH), which advises the Minister of Labour on workplace safety policies, promotes awareness, and investigates industrial accidentstoenhanceworker protection.

As OSH Month 2026 concludes with the global observanceoftheWorldDay for Safety and Health at WorkonApril28,employers are reminded to work intentionallytopromotesafe work/business spaces, while employees are reminded to adhere to safety rules and procedures to stay healthy andalive.

Thisyear’sOSHthemeis “Good psychosocial working environments: A pathway to thriving workers andstrongorganisations.”

InterestingCreatures... Fascinating Origin of Betta Fish Fascinating Origin of Betta Fish The

Betta fish are among the most popularandbeautifulpetfishinthe world, but that wasn’t always so.

ThegenusBettacontainsmorethan 73 recognized species, but the fish most people are familiar with is Betta splendens, or Siamese fightingfish.

Wild betta fish are a dull greyish-green with short fins; nothing like the spectacularly colored, long-finned beauties of today!Throughselectivebreeding, awiderangeofcolorsandfintypes have been developed, including: veil, delta, halfmoon, crowntail, doubletailandmanymore.

Betta keeping began in Thailand(formerlySiam)over150 yearsago.Childrencollectedthese territorial fish in rice paddies and wouldplacethemtogethertowatch themspar,hencethenameSiamese Fighting Fish. Soon, betting on these contests became commonplace.

The doctor bred and studied them, later writing a scientific paper that identified them as Macropodus pugnax. When it was discovered

The King of Siam recognized their popularity and decided to regulateandtaxthem.In1840,the Kinggavesomefishtoamanwho, in turn, gave them to Danish physician, Dr Theodore Cantor

thattherealreadywasafishbythat name,CharlesTateReganrenamed them Betta splendens, meaning “beautiful warrior”, a name that standstothisday Bettaswerefirst importedintoFranceandGermany inthe1890s,andMr FrankLocke ofSanFrancisco,CA,broughtthe firstbettasintotheUnitedStatesin 1910.

Americans sometimes mispronounce the name as “bay-tuh” afterthesecondletterintheGreek alphabet, however, it is believed thatthesefishwereactuallynamed after the ancient Asian Bettah warrior tribe – pronounced “bettah”.(Think“Myfishisbettahthan yours”!) In Thailand, they are called “plakat”, which means “bitingfish”.

Frompage22 highlighted the current

windfall Guyana is experiencing from surging global oil prices. Sadly, this financial boom entirely misses out on NGL production.

While prices for light liquids and cooking gas continue to increase across the region, Guyana remains sidelined.IftheNGLfacility were operational and on schedule, the country could currently be exporting these highly valued commodities to a hungry market. Instead, due to the project’s stalled

p r o g r e s s a n d t h e aforementioned equipment concerns,Guyanaismissing a critical window, leaving significant realized value on the table Previously, Kaieteur News reported that although the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) said in a statement that 24-hour workwasongoingatthesite, an independent, on-theground investigation by Kaieteur News painted a starklydifferentpicture.

The daily shift at the Wales site ended abruptly at 6:00 PM. By 6:30 PM, the vast majority of the workforce can be seen queuing at the bus stop near the Bharrat Jagdeo Demerara River Bridge, headinghomeforthenight.

To corroborate this, our team deployed drones over the project site during nighttime hours just moments after the statement came from government. Instead of a bustling, illuminated operation executinga“tripleshift,”the aerialfootageshowedadead stop. The site was dark and completely inactive, flatly c o n t r a d i c t i n g t h e government’s narrative of a relentless, 24/7 construction

effort (See video: https://youtu be/G 6QJW vmaSk)

AppealCourtto decideonExxon’srole incitizen’schallenge toGovt.foroil sectorinformation

The Court of Appeal is settohearanddecideonthe extentinwhichExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL) and the Attorney General (AG) can participate in case brought by a citizen against the Environmental ProtectionAgency(EPA)for oilsectorinformation.

The proceedings originated from a claim brought by Sherlina Nageer

by way of judicial review in relation to the agency’s c o n d u c t u n d e r t h e Environmental Protection Act, including its approach to environmental permitting and regulatory oversight in the context of petroleum operations.

Nageer had filed a claim to compel the EPA to disclosetheinsurancepolicy andparent/affiliatecompany guarantee lodged by Exxon in case of an oil spill. She sought copies of the policy andguaranteedocuments.In lieu of that, should the EPA not produce the documents, shehadaskedthecourtfora declaration to cancel Exxon’s permit for the Liza Phase2projectandanorder prohibiting EPA from issuingareplacementorone with weaker provisions. Her substantive claim was subsequently dismissed by high court judge Simone Ramlall, who found the claim lacked the evidentiary framework that would have allowedthecourttoproperly exercise its judicial review jurisdiction.

During the proceedings, lawyers for Exxon and the AGappliedtothehighcourt and were joined as respondents However, Nageer’s legal team which comprised of lawyers Melinda Janki, Kings Counsel Tim Prudhoe and Anna-Kay Brown had argued that the claim was directed at the lawfulness of the agency’s action and thereforedidnotwarrantthe participationofExxonorthe AG They appealed the decisioninthefullcourt.

The full court in its reasoning, relied on the fact that both Exxon and the Attorney General had an interestintheoutcomeofthe proceedings.

The court noted that ExxonMobil Guyana Limited,astheholderofthe

The result was that Exxon and the attorney general remained joined as respondents but the p r o c e e d i n g s w e r e characterised as public law proceedings focused on the agency’s regulatory duties, not operational disputes in thepetroleumsector

relevant environmental permit, and the attorney general, representing the state,hadthelegalbasistobe joined as respondents since the reliefs sought by Nageer in the substantive matter are not only disclosures about, and orders to compel, the enforcementofconditionsof the permit granted by the EPA to the Exxon but also orderscancellingthepermit, prohibiting the renewal of the permit, prohibiting the issue of a new permit, and curtailingthetermsonwhich any new permit may be issued.

Thefullcourtconsidered that this interest was sufficient to justify their participationaspartiesunder section 13 of the Judicial Review Act and the Civil ProcedureRules.

Atthesametime,thefull court addressed a separate argumentconcerningsection 94 of the Petroleum ActivitiesAct,whichapplies to disputes “arising out of petroleumoperations.”

The court held that the proceedings concern the agency’s administrative functions under the Environmental Protection Act, rather than petroleum operations.

The matter which came up before the Court of Appeal Justices comprising Chancellor Roxanne George, Rishi Persaud, and Narweshar Harnanan on Tuesday concerns whether the full court’s approach to joinder was correct; it questioned whether the existenceofaninterestinthe outcome of judicial review proceedings is sufficient to justify participation as a full respondent, or whether additional considerations shouldapply

The issue before the courtofappealrelatestothe procedural structure of judicial review proceedings. It raises questions about the appropriate scope of party participation in public law casesthedistinctionbetween parties who are directly responsible for a decision and those who may be affected by its outcome; and how courts should manage proceedings involving regulatory decisions with wider economic or environmentalimplications.

On Tuesday, the court grantedleavetoappealtoall parties, indicating that the issuesraisedwarrantfurther consideration. The court directed that notices of appealaretobefiledbyMay 7,2026,therecordofappeal to be settled on May 21, 2026, and the settled record istobefiledbyJune4,2026.

At the hearing Nageer wasrepresentedbyattorney Saevion David-Longe. The state was represented by lawyers attached to the chambe

GeneralAnilNandlallSC, While ExxonMobil was represented by Edward Luckhoo SC, Andrew Poll

Luckhoo. The EPA had no legalrepresentative.

THURSDAY

Pres.Alichallenges CARICOMtotransform intohealthresearch powerhouse

LeadersoftheCaribbean Community (CARICOM)

were on Wednesday challenged to treat the region’s diverse population asanassetbypositioningthe Region as a pilot site and platform for cutting-edge health research, technology andtelemedicine.

Guyana’s President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, while addressing researchers, regional leaders and health professionals at the opening ofthe70thCaribbeanPublic Health Agency (CARPHA) Annual Health Research Conference at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC), said the region is rich in innovative health ideas but held back by weak regulation, financing gaps, workforceshortagesandlow trustininstitutions. T h e t h r e e - d a y

conference, themed

“Innovations in Health,” marks 70 years since CARPHA’s flagship research gathering was held in 1956 It is the longest health research conference in the English-speaking Caribbean.

PresidentAli said that in today’s world, health innovation depends less on laboratoriesandmoreonthe strengthofhealthministries, procurement systems, rural clinics and community settings, and urged governments to invest in these foundations so that r e s e a r c h a n d n e w technologies can be scaled into populationwide programmes.

“We should be sharing, buildingcommonplatforms, building common systems. That is what we should be doing as a region,” the presidentsaid.

He called on the conference to produce a document for heads of government outlining how the Caribbean can become a recognisedpilotsitefornew health technologies and research.

“With the political will, we can fix this in a day.The models are all there.We can gatherallofthebestlawyers in the region, parliamentary councils, and match them withregulatorsandcomeup with one master legislation that the region can implementasawhole.”

President Ali outlined 10 interlocking challenges that, he said, define the global struggle to ensure innovation truly serves health equity, including scaling pilots into national systems, bridging the digital divide, modernising regulation, correcting inequalities in research funding,stabilisinghealth

Continued on page 33

Sherlina Nageer

President Dr. Mohamed IrfaanAli. (DPI)

Frompage32 financing, and closing the human capitalgapinthesector

Warning that the pace of technological change is already outstripping the capacity of regionalregulators,hesaid:“Ifthe solution runs too far ahead of the regulator because of the ineffectiveness of the system to respond quickly, then the population will be ahead of you. Andthatisacompletecollapseofa healthcaresystem.”

Deeper regional cooperation, he stressed, must therefore include stronger joint procurement systems, shared medical manufacturing, coordinated disease surveillance, joint training and research platforms, and regionalemergencyreadiness,with links extending beyond CARICOM to partners in Africa, LatinAmericaandAsia.

Against this backdrop, President Ali announced that Guyana is ready “to partner with the rest of the region in creating a telemedicinehubhereinGuyanato support the rest of the region, whether it’s for clinical care, researchoreducationalpurposes.”

Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony, also addressed the event alongside CARPHA’s Executive Director, Dr Lisa Indar; Assistant Director of the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO), Dr Rhonda Sealey-Thomas; Secretary-General of CARICOM, Dr CarlaBarnett,amongothers.

The 70th CARPHA Annual Health Research Conference continues until April 24, bringing together researchers, policymakers andinternationalexperts,including featured speakers from Mount Sinai, Harvard University, the United Kingdom Health Security Agency, and the Pandemic Fund. (DPI)

ICJtohearGuyana-Venezuela bordercasenextmonth

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) will on May 4 begin severaldaysoforalhearingsonthe merits of Guyana’s case against Venezuela on the validity of the 1899 Arbitral Tribunal Award, Attorney General and Minister of LegalAffairsAnilNandlall,SChas said.

During his programme, ‘Issues in the News’ on Tuesday night, Nandlall said he would be joining Guyana’s team of international lawyers in The Hague in the Netherlandsforthehearing.

TheAGnotedthatthehearings wouldbeheldfromMay4to8,and could be carried over to the followingweek.

Attorney General Nandlall disclosed that Guyana has already filed two written pleadings on the meritsofthecase,whileVenezuela has also submitted two pleadings, the most recent of which was filed

inAugust2025.

While outlining developments within the legal system, Nandlall stated that the Attorney General’s Chambers,incoordinationwiththe Office of the President and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is preparingGuyana’slegalteamand materialsforthehearing.

Guyana instituted the case in March 2018, following a determination by United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres that the International CourtofJusticewastheappropriate mechanism for resolving the longstanding controversy between thetwocountries.

Guyana is seeking the court’s confirmationthatthe1899Arbitral Award, which established the international boundary between Guyana and Venezuela, is legally valid and remains binding on both statesunderinternationallaw.

AlthoughVenezuelarecognised the validity of the award and accepted the established boundary for more than 60 years, it reversed itspositionontheeveofGuyana’s independence, rejected the Award, and asserted a claim to more than two-thirds of Guyana’s territory, encompassing the Essequibo Region.

Venezuelapreviouslysoughtto havethecasedismissed,filingtwo objections to the court’s jurisdiction in 2019 and 2022, respectively Both objections were rejected by the court by overwh

s Venezuela’snon-recognitionofthe tribunal award means that it continues to lay claim to the 160,000 square kilometre mineral and forest-rich Essequibo Region and Guyana’s exclusive economic zoneoffthatregion.

In December 2023, following Guyana’s request prompted by Venezuela’s threats to seize and annex Guyana’s territory, the ICJ orderedbothpartiestorefrainfrom any actions that could disturb Guyana’s administration and control of the disputed territory whilethecaseremainspending.

completedareviewoftheprojectin light of sustained high gold prices. In 2024, the company’s permits were renewed for by the GovernmentofGuyanathroughthe GGMC. During this period, “the companyhastheoptiontodevelop the project and convert the mining permits into a mining licence. The project is strategically located 64 kilometers west-southwest of Georgetown,thecapitalofGuyana, and 11 kilometers west of the Essequibo River, a major transportationrouteinthecountry.”

The Groete Project hosts an inferred mineral resource estimate of 1 57 million gold-copper equivalent ounces, contained in 74 million tonnes at a grade of 0.66 grams per tonne gold equivalent, basedona2019report.

In a subsequent statement, the Government of Guyana expressed full confidence that it has demonstrated in its Reply that Venezuela’s challenges to the Arbitral Award and the international boundary outlined in its Counter-Memorial are entirelywithoutmerit,and thatthe Court will ultimately affirm the validity, finality, and legally binding nature of both the Award andtheestablishedboundary

FRIDAY

Canadianfirmgetsmining permitsrenewedfor3400acres

The Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) has renewed three mining permits for Canadian company, Gold Port Corporation for its Groete Gold CopperProject.

The company announced on Thursdaythatthepermits,covering a combined 1,384 hectares (approximately 3,400 acres), have beenrenewedfortheensuingyear. GoldPortisthe100%ownerofthe Groete Gold Project, which is locatedabout10kilometreswestof theEssequiboRiver GoldPortalsodisclosedthatthe camp facility at the Groete Creek GoldCopperProjectisundergoing reconstruction.Buildingsarebeing rebuilt and resupplied with new equipment, including power generation, refrigeration and food preparation systems, while all heavy equipment on site has been repairedandserviced.

According to the company, the ongoing programme is aimed at preparing the site for the construction of a road to the Manaka access point, located roughly eight miles north of the project area. A new Multi-Power diamond core rig is also being commissioned ahead of its transporttothecamponcetheroad iscompleted.

Amid rising gold prices, Gold Port said renewed interest in the project was driven by the upward trend in the market. Gold Port had

nnounced cons

uction, management determined the most costandtime-effectiveapproachis toconcludeanequipmentpurchase and have the Company complete the access road. The new heavy support equipment will be vital to the successful completion of the upcomingdrillprogramme.”

This publication has reported that Guyana’s mineral wealth continues to attract significant foreigninvestment,withGoldPort being one of several Canadian mining companies collectively controlling millions of ounces of gold across various stages of development These projects, spanning multiple mining regions, areadvancingthroughexploration, feasibilitystudies,andpermitting.

The project has a long exploration history dating back to the1960s,wheninitialdrillingwas conducted by the United Nations, followed by further work in the 1990sbyCoeurd’AleneMinesLtd. Exploration activities were last carried out in 2012, including a drilling programme that supported thecurrentresourceestimate.“The project has emerged as one of Guyana’s largest gold copper zones, and the only deposit with deep water access,” the company notes.

In October 2025, the company had previously identified and announced it selected Jaisingh’s Equipment Rental (JER) of Georgetown Guyana for the construction of road access to its GroeteGoldCopperProject.

The contract was for the completion of approximately 13 kilometers of dirt road access includingsomebridgeanddrainage construction. However, in a February 2026 statement, Gold Portsaidthatafterseveralattempts and additional issues with the project, it decided to pivot and purchase heavy equipment and complete the road development with existing staff Company President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Adrian F C Hobkirksaid:“Afterconsideration of existing proposals and ongoing issues with the previously

RamblamesPres.Alifor troubledGas-to-Energyproject …sayslackofduediligence costingGuyanabillions

From a string of delays, a bankrupt contractor and now a ballooning project cost, Attorney Christopher Ram has said that President Irfaan Ali must take responsibilityforthetroubledGasto-Energy (GTE) project at Wales, WestBankDemerara.

During a recent appearance on OilTalk,hostedbytheOilandGas GovernanceNetwork(OGGN)and aired on Kaieteur Radio, the CharteredAccountantcriticisedthe Ali-administration for clearly not conducting any due diligence before awarding a US$759M contract to an American consortium,Lindsayca/CH4.

“They clearly didn’t have one (duediligence).Weunderstandthat they adopted something from m a y b e t h e p r e v i o u s government…the President has surelygottotakeresponsibilityfor thisandatsomepoint,hemustget serious,” Ram told listeners of the broadcast.

Further, he pointed out that Guyana seems to have a historical problem that spans various administrations where managing massive projects is concerned. He however noted that given the state of the economy and society, it is incumbent on the Ali-government to quickly learn from its mistakes andimplementbettersystems.

To qualify his position, Ram argued that Lindsayca/CH4 should not have been handed the multimillion-dollar contract in the firstplace,afundamentalerrorthat could have been avoided by conductingsimpleduediligenceon thecontractor

He said, “I have looked at the FinancialStatementsofLindsayca. Theyshouldnothavebeenawarded any kind of contract…I notice the timing and this gentleman from EXIMBankandsooncominginto this place, whether he was forced onusandwhydidwedoit?Just Continued on page 34

Eastern zone target area of the Groete Gold Copper Project

Attorney, Christopher Ram

Frompage33 because we want to say that look, theAmericanslentusmoney?They lent us money to waste on an American contractor who did not qualifyforthejobifyoulookatthe performance and the financial stability They were in serious, serioustrouble.”

Earlier this month Kaieteur NewsreportedthattheChairmanof the United States Export Import (US EXIM) Bank, John Jovanovic visited the troubled GTE site at Wales, for a first-hand assessment of ongoing construction activities, amid a series of damning revelations that came to light throughthispublication.

He was accompanied by Prime Minister, Mark Phillips who holds responsibilityfortheenergysector, United States Ambassador to Guyana, Nicole Theriot and Chair of Lindsayca Guyana Inc., Nelson Drake. During his visit to Guyana, the Chairman also met with President Ali This newspaper reported on the tender process that led to Lindsayca/CH 4 being hired and the company’s inexperience, tainted track record and appointment of Project Director, Ruben Figuera- a former PDVSA executive under the Nicolas MaduroregimeinVenezuela.

Further, cheaper bids were ignored by the government of Guyana to engage the company which submitted the highest bid and demonstrated a troubling financial position Sources also leaked undisputed information on luxury flights chartered by the company to not only transport its executivesonaweeklybasis,butto importmaterialsfortheprojectata much higher rate. More recently, Kaieteur News exposed Lindsayca for allegedly utilising shell companiesabroadtofurtherinflate projectcosts.

SATURDAY

GMINtighteninggripon Guyana’sgoldthrough10%in anotherCanadianfirm …companyalreadysittingon7millionounces

Canadian miner G Mining Ventures Corp. (GMIN), which is alreadyinplaytocontrol7-million ouncesofgoldinGuyana’smining sector, also have a stake in another gold operation in Guyana through itsinvolvementinGreenheartGold Inc – another Canadian firm operatinghere

GreenheartGoldwasformedin July 2024, as a spin-off from a business combination between fellow Canadian companies Reunion Gold and G Mining, holding all of Reunion’s assets other than the 4.64 million ounces Oko West project which is now controlledbyGMIN.

In April 2024, GMIN and Reunion Gold announced plans to enterintoadefinitiveagreementto

combine the two companies at a cost of US$638 million. Under the terms of the agreement, shareholders of GMIN and Reunionreceivecommonsharesof a newly formed company, with Reunion shareholders receiving 0.285 GMIN common shares for each share held. Through this deal GMINjoinedGreenheart.

Greenheartisfocusedonearlystage exploration within the geologically rich but historically underexplored Guiana Shield, which spans parts of Guyana and Suriname.

Greenheart on April 20, announced it has upsized its nonbrokeredprivateplacementtoraise up to C$59.85 million, with funds expected to support exploration in Guyana and Suriname, as well as potential acquisitions across the Guiana Shield Beyond GMIN’s direct control of the Oko West project, the company is also indirectly exposed to additional exploration upside in Guyana via itsstakeinGreenheart.

Intherecentupdate,Greenheart disclosed that GMIN through its whollyownedsubsidiaryGMining Guyana Corp has signalled its intention to participate in the offering to maintain its approximately10.5%ownershipin

Greenheart. Notably, it was also disclosed that financing has also attracted increased backing from La Mancha Investments S à rl , which intends to raise its stake to just under 20% The offering is expected to close by April 30, subjecttoregulatoryapprovals.

Greenheart Gold is an explorationcompanythatbuildson a proven legacy of discoveries withintheGuianaShield.

Earlier this year, Greenheart Gold announced it entered into an option agreement with “arms’ length third parties” to acquire a 100% interest in the Gold Hill

project in Guyana, while terminating its option agreements for the Tamakay and Abuya projects after concluding that the deposits do not meet the size and scale required for economic development.

TheGoldHillprojectislocated approximately13.5kilometreseast of Canadian firm Aris Mining Toroparu project, which hosts an estimated 5 3 million ounces of gold in measured and indicated resources. The Gold Hill property

covers roughly 40 square kilometres in the Mazaruni mining districtinnorth-westernGuyana.It was noted that the project area is deformed around a dolerite

intrusion and appears to have been subjected to multiple deformation events and exhibits similar open folding to that observed at the nearbyToroparudeposit.

The company said that it has decided to walk away from its Tamakay and Abuya projects following extensive exploration workthatfailedtodemonstratethe potential for deposits of sufficient economicscale.

Kaieteur News had reported that the latest move by GMIN to acquire another fellow Canadian firm that operates in Guyana can see the company earning over US$30billionbasedonacombined resource of 7-million ounces, and gold prices remaining above US$4,500 per ounce when production begins Canadian businessnews.

The 4.64 million ounces Oko West Gold Project located in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) was added to GMIN’s portfolio backin2024.Inasimilarmovelike its business combination with Reunion, GMIN this month announced that it entered into a definitive agreement with another Canadian company, G2 Goldfields for approximately US$2.2 billion (C$3billion).

With the latest acquisition, the

twoneighbouringpropertieswillbe merged into a single mining hub with a combined 7-million-ounce gold resource base, including 2.3 million ounces in measured and indicated resources and inferred resources.

The combined development is expected to produce more than 500,000 ounces of gold annually over its life, with Oko West contributing approximately 350,000 ounces per year and OkoGhanie adding an estimated 228,000 ounces annually This levelofoutputisexpectedtocreate a large-scale, low-cost tier-1 gold mining hub in one of the most prospectiveemerginggolddistricts intheworld.

GMIN’s acquisition of G2 and business combination with Reuniontosecureandcombinethe assets is pegged at US$2 838 billion.

Acquiring G2 will expand GMIN’s footprint in Guyana by 293 km² (square kilometres), creating a combined contiguous landpackageofover362km².

According to GMIN, once in production, the combined Oko project has the potential to rank among the highest producing gold minesglobally Theanticipated Continued on page 35

Frompage34

LifeofMine(LOM)average gold production of approximately 350,000 ouncesofgoldannuallyfrom GMIN’s Oko West Project and 228,000 ounces of gold annually from G2’s OkoGhanie Project into a single projectbringsthepotentialto produce over 500,000 ouncesofgoldannuallyona LOMaveragebasis.

The Oko West project

proven and probable reserves is at an average grade of 1.89 grams of gold per tonne The project is expected to produce about 350,000 ounces of gold annually over a 12 3-year mine life G2’s maiden Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) had outlined that the project will entail a combined open-pit and underground operation witha14-yearlifeofmine.

G2shareholderswillalso receive common shares in a newly created gold explorer called G3 SpinCo, that will hold interests in the Tiger Creek property, Peters Mine property and Property B, being all remaining G2 properties outside of OkoGhanie, Amsterdam, Aremu Partnership and Aremu Mine, Property A, and the Ghanie Medium Scale MiningPermittobeacquired by GMIN under the new transaction The combined company is to be led by GMIN’smanagementteam.

Walesgasproject contractoraccusedof revolvingcorruptionand financialdeception …massive delays, corrupt executives, overpriced services milking Guyana’s treasury

With shaky financing masked with an American flag, two Venezuelans quietly made their way into Guyana, taking virtual control of the nation’s treasury through a deal that landed the consortium almost unlimited access to funds to complete a disastrous gas project mired incontroversyandcomplete blackoutoninformation.

As this newspaper peels backthelayersofLindsayca Inc , a trail of broken contracts,massivedebts,and a “revolving door” of corruption has come to light thatshouldhavedisqualified the group from touching a single cent of Guyanese taxpayerdollars.

While Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo and head of the Gas-to-Energy (GTE)

Taskforce, Winston Brassington continue to tout the “American excellence” oftheproject,thetruthisfar more sinister Lindsayca is not the powerhouse they claim It is a family-run operation led byVenezuelan nationals Hector Fuentes Guimare and Jesus Fuentes Guimare—twobrotherswith a track record of leaving projectsinruins.

TheGazpromPrecedent: Over-invoicing and Underperformance

The Fuentes’ legacy of deception didn’t start in Guyana; it was perfected in Venezuela Public court records from the Southern District of Texas reveal a scathinglegalbattlewiththe Russian energy giant Gazprom.

Gazprom alleged that Lindsayca was overpaid for services that were never approved,neverprovided,or performed far below industry standards The claim?Astaggering US$8.7 million in over-billed charges on allegations of “over-invoicing” and “underperforming” on strategicgasinfrastructure.

TheFinancialRedFlags: DrowninginDebt

Before landing the US$759M contract in Guyana, Lindsayca’s own financialsbetween2016and 2019 told a story of a companyinterminaldecline. Investigative findings show the entity was drowning in millions of dollars of debt, with auditors qualifying their opinions because they couldn’t even verify the company’s basic accounting records.

Despitetheseglaringred flags, the GTE Task Force apparentlyskippedthebasic “Google search” that would have revealed Lindsayca was functionally bankrupt while bidding for our nation’senergyfuture.

The Dominican Disaster: Years of Delays in Manzanillo

If the government wanted to see Lindsayca’s future, they only needed to look at the Dominican Republic The Manzanillo Gas-to-Power project has become a monument to the Fuentesbrothers’inabilityto deliver

The initial Request for Proposals(RFP)wasopened by the Dominican Ministry

ofEnergyandMinesbackin January 2021 Yet, despite being awarded the project years ago, the facility only reached

mercial operations in March 2026 delays that mirrors the exact timeline slippage being witnessed at Wales, WestBankDemerara.Justas they did in Guyana, the consortium navigated a

maze of concession approvals and definitive contracts that stretched for years while the country waitedforpower

Walking the IRS

Tightrope: TheAct 60 Shell

Game As the Fuentes brothers shuffle money across borders, Hector Fuentes appears to be playing a high-stakes game with the U S Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Public records indicate that Hector Fuentes operates a networkofentitiesinPuerto Rico,designedtoexploitthe island’s Act 60 tax incentives which offer a staggering 4% corporate tax rateand0%oncapitalgains.

However, there is a catch: to legally qualify for these“tax-haven”benefits,a person must be a bona fide resident of Puerto Rico, spending at least 183 days a year on the island Yet, Hector Fuentes is widely reported to maintain his primary residence and business operations in Houston,Texas.

If Fuentes is reaping the rewards of Puerto Rican tax

breaks while actually residing in the Lone Star State, he is walking a razorthin line toward federal tax

evasion The IRS has recently launched a massive crackdown on high-networth individuals abusing

these Puerto Rican loopholes. Is the Guyanese government comfortable hitching our national energy security to a man who could soon find himself in the crosshairs of a federal tax fraudinvestigation?

The Trojan Horse: Corrupt PDVSAOfficials in Guyana

Perhaps the most egregious insult to the Guyanese people is the “revolving door” of

c o r r u p t i o n l e d b y Lindsayca’s Project Director,RubenFiguera.

B e f o r e h e w a s

overseeing the Wales project, Figuera was a highranking official in the Maduro regime, presiding

over Venezuela’s stateowned oil company, PDVSA’s joint ventures Investigative records show Figuera was instrumental in awarding multimilliondollarcontractstononeother thanLindsayca.

The money trail from those deals led international authoritiestofreezemillions of dollars in Figuera’s bank accounts in Andorra on charges of bribery and money laundering Today, thatsamemanisthe“Project Director” for Lindsayca in Guyana, presiding over the very project the U.S. State Department calls a “beacon

l energy security.”

The British Bait-and-Switch

While the Fuentes used U.S. diplomatic muscle and their status as “Embassy darlings” to secure the bid, they executed a calculated bait-and-switch at the moment of signing The “American”companydidn’t sign the contract Instead, they used a UK-registered shell company, Lindsayca

Development LLP, incorporated just weeks beforethesigning.

This move wasn’t accidental. It allowed them

to invoke the 1989 UKGuyanaBilateralInvestment Treaty, creating a legal fortressthatallowedthemto s u e t h e G u y a n e s e governmentforUS$102Min “liquidated damages” while evadinglocaltaxes.

The Cycle of Looting: From Venezuela to Guyana andBack

The Fuentes family has come full circle After bleeding PDVSA dry and securing a billion-dollar foothold in Guyana through deception, they are now using Guyanese-funded momentumtolandnewdeals backinVenezuela.

Danny was eight years old and not very excited about school Most mornings he draggedhisfeet,yawnedtooloudly,andtried to sneak in an extra five minutes of cartoon time before leaving But one Tuesday morning,somethingverydifferenthappened.

As he reached for his old, scruffy backpack the one with a torn zipper and a doodleofarocketshiponthefront heheard agrumpyvoice

“Ugh! Finally Do you ever wash your handsbeforeyoupickmeup?”

Danny froze His heart thumped like a bouncing ball “W-who said that?” he stammered

“Me!”thevoicesnapped “Thebackpack Obviously”

Dannyblinkedatthebag Thefadedstraps and scuffed corners looked completely normal “Backpacksdon'ttalk,”hewhispered

“Well, this one does,” the backpack grumbled “Andsinceyou'vebeenstuffingme fullofcrumbs,pencilswithoutcaps,andsticky juice boxes for years, I've decided it's time youlistentomeforachange.”

Danny wasn't sure whether to laugh or scream Instead,hecarefullyslippedhisarms through the straps The moment he did, the voicewhisperedinhisear:

“Yourfirstquestbeginsnow”

TheFirstQuest:TheMissingLibraryKey

At school, Danny tried to ignore the backpack,butitkeptmutteringinhisearlikea bossycoach

“The librarian is missing her key,” it said firmly “Withoutit,noonecancheckoutbooks todayYoumustfindit!”

Danny frowned “How am I supposed to dothat?”

Thebackpacksighed “You'retheonewith legs I'lldothebrains,youdothemoving”

So during recess, Danny started looking around H k d d h lid h k d he

Art is So Cool

by Uncle Roy

sandbox, and even asked his friends if they'd seenashinysilverkey

“Colder,”mutteredthebackpack

“Warmer warmer boilinghot!”

Dannyreachedbehindaflowerpotnearthe library door and there it was! A tiny silver keyglintinginthesun

He proudly returned it to Mrs Green, the librarian

“My goodness, Danny, thank you!” she said “IwasworriedI'dlostitforgood”

The backpack whispered smugly, “Quest complete”

TheSecondQuest:TheLostLunchbox

At lunchtime, Danny sat with his best friend,Emily,whowasfrowningatherempty spotonthetable

“I lost my lunchbox,” she said sadly “It hadmysandwich,apple,andeverything”

Danny'sbackpackperkedup “Aha!Quest numbertwo:rescuethelostlunchbox!”

Danny rolled his eyes “Fine, but only becauseEmily'shungry”

Hesearchedthecafeteria,thenthehallway, then the playground Finally, the backpack tugged at him well, as much as a backpack could

“Check the janitor's closet,” it suggested

Drawing and painting are so cool, And they make me feel so great, To know that I can make a picture, That others admire and appreciate.

Sometimes I draw the things I see, At other times what I imagine, Whatever I do it makes me so happy To know I created something.

The good thing is that I can do art Anytime and anywhere I be, All I need is pencil and paper, And I soon have a picture to see.

So join me in this nice hobby, That you'll be sure to enjoy, And realise for yourself that art Is more fun than playing with a toy.

MOM POM-POM LETTERS

MATERIALS

1. Pastel Self-Adhesive

GlitterPomPoms

2 Large Upper Case WoodenLetters

3.Glue

INSTRUCTIONS

Danny crept over and peeked inside. Sure enough, there was Emily'sbluelunchboxsittingona shelf

“Victory!” the backpack shouted in his ear “Another quest completed!”

Danny handed the lunchbox backtoEmily Shehuggeditlikeit was treasure “You're the best, Danny!”shesaid,grinningwide

The backpack mumbled, “Actually,I'mthebest Butfine,we cansharethecredit”

The Third Quest: The Secret

Note

By afternoon, Danny was starting to enjoy the strange partnership. Sure, his backpack was bossy, but it was also kind of funny

Just as he thought the day might end quietly, the backpack whispered, “One final quest awaits.Findthesecretnotehidden in your classroom. It holds importantwords.”

Danny looked around during freetime Hecheckedinsidedesks, beneath the teacher's chair, even behindthebookshelf

“Colder warmer boiling!” thebackpacksaiddramatically

Danny reached into the pencil box at the windowsill and pulled outafoldedpieceofpaper Inside, written in neat handwriting, were thewords:

“Thank you for being a good friend.”

Tobecontinuednextweek

Choose the letters that you want and lay them in frontofyou.

Add a wiggle of super tackyglueoveroneletterata time and then decorate with pompom until they are filled Lea

overnight.

Trimanypom-pomsthat hang over the edges and obscure the letter Cut a section of cardboard tube andgluetothebackofeach so that it is leveled with the bottom. Once dry, this will actasastand.

VARIETYCIRCLE

"Circle one of each digit 1–9, such that each row, column, 3×3 block,and the set of 9 center squares contains a single circled number."

Apart the human assets which wehavementionedbefore,whichwillenableustosucceedin achieving your goals, we have to understand and make full useallofourpositivequalitiestosucceedatwhateverweset yourmindto.

When you realise your true nature, that you are a unique human being with so many natural talents and endowments, then you will find it easy and just as natural to develop confidenceinyourself,andusethesetoyourbestadvantage.

All human beings have come into this world with four inborngiftswhichmakeussuperiortotheothercreaturesof the earth, and capable of performing tasks which are truly wondrous. Thesegiftsare:-

Self-awareness the ability to look at ourselves objectively, affording us the power to see when we need to effect positive changes towards developi n g

Use the coming week to meditate on your unique human qualities, and you will be more equipped to move forward towards your goals.

Beawareofallthe qualitieswithwhich youhavebeenendowed

ourselvestoourmaximumpotential; Imagination,thepowertocreateinourmindsabetterway, and the likely result of whatever choice we want to make, whichwouldenableustoaccomplishwhatismosteffective toachieveourgoals;

Will-power, the faculty that enables us to consciously determine the best course to follow and move forward confidentlyandwithconvictiontoimplementthis;

Conscience, giving us the capacity to judge right from wrong, so that we can choose our life goals that are truly aligned with the intentions of our souls, and utilise methods thatarerightandinaccordwithourprinciplesandvaluesto achievethese.

The fact is that you can only develop these 4 human endowmentsbypractice. Thereisasaying:“Useitorloseit”. Thisistrueofthesegifts,justasitistrueofanyotherquality andeverypartofourphysicalbeing.

A fifth human gift that can help us to see the good in everything,whichmanyignore,isaSenseofHumour

And, last but certainly not least, is another quality that unfortunately mankind does not make enough use of - the powertoLove.

Take some time to meditate on these qualities, trying to understandhowtheywork,andhowyoucanmakefulluseof them, and you will be certain to benefit in your endeavours towardsthelifegoalsyouhavesetyourself.

We make our own world

by Carmen Mashier

We make our own world, whoever we are, Our happiness is of our own making; We make our own world, wherever we are, Our success is there for the taking

Our world goes with us as we walk and talk each day, Our world can be a heaven or hell, our attitude will say, We make our own world, whatever we are, Let's make our own world, wherever we are

Solutions to last week’s

Queens

Keep thinking happy, and we'll make a new world, Make full use of your qualities to succeed; Be always confident that you have what it takes, And you will surely win in all you need. 9

MindYour Business

Parenting, Pressure, and the Psychology of Expectation

How Early Messages Shape Identity, Performance,and Emotional Health

By Dr. Eon Andre George, PhD, EdD

Long before children understand who they are, they begin to understand whotheyareexpectedtobe. From early, expectations are placed on them, sometimes spoken, sometimes implied.

“You must do better than me.” “Don’t waste your opportunity.” “Make something of yourself.”

These statements are often rootedinlove,sacrifice,and hope. They reflect a desire for progress and protection. Yet, over time, they also begin to shape how children seethemselvesandhowthey measure their worth. What begins as encouragement can gradually become pressure, especially when expectations are high but emotionalsupportislimited.

WhereExpectations

ComeFrom

Parental expectations rarelyexistinisolation.They are shaped by history, e x p e r i e n c e , a n d circumstance. Many parents are motivated by what they did not have, what they struggled through, or what theywereunabletoachieve.

Inthissense,expectation becomes a form of legacy

Parentswanttheirchildrento go further, do better, and avoid the hardships they faced. Psychologically, this reflects intergenerational transmission,wherebeliefs, fears, and aspirations are passed from one generation to the next. The intention is positive The impact, however, depends on how those expectations are communicated and supported.

WhenEncouragement

BecomesPressure

T h i s i s w h e r e conditional regard becomes powerful. It is not alwaysspokendirectly,butit is deeply felt. The child begins to understand that approval, praise, and even warmth are closely tied to performance. When they do well, connection feels strong.Whentheyfallshort, that connection feels uncertain. Over time, this creates anxiety, not just about failure, but about losingacceptance.Thechild isnolongersimplytryingto succeed. They are trying to remainworthy

TheDevelopment ofSelf-Worth

As these patterns continue,theybegintoshape identity Children start to internalize the expectations placed on them They develop what psychologists refer to as self-schema, internal beliefs about who they are and what they are capable of. If a child is consistently valued for achievement, they may begin to see themselves primarily through performance If they struggle, their sense of self mayweaken.

Consider another situation. A young girl is known for being “the bright one”inherfamily Relatives mention it often. Teachers expect it. It becomes part of how she is introduced. Over time,shebeginstocarrythat label carefully Then one year,theworkbecomesmore difficult.Shehesitatestoask questions.Shestudiesalone, quietly When she does not understand, she says nothing. The fear is not just about the subject. It is about no longer being who everyone expects her to be. Inthisway,identitybecomes fragile,notbecausethechild lacks ability, but because it hasbeenbuilttoonarrowly TheEmotionalCostof Constant

A child who hears “You must succeed” may initially feel motivated. Over time, however, that message can shift. Success becomes less aboutgrowthandmoreabout obligation. Take a familiar situation. A boy who has always performed well in school brings home a report with mostly strong grades but one subject slightly lowerthanexpected.Instead of acknowledgment, the focus shifts immediately “What happened here?”The room grows quiet The achievement disappears behindtheoneimperfection. Hesayslittle,butsomething changes. The next term, he studies harder, not out of curiosity or excitement, but out of fear The goal is no longertolearn.Itistoavoid thatmoment.

Living under constant expectation can create emotional strain Some childrenrespondbypushing themselves harder, becoming disciplined but increasinglyanxious.Others

begin to withdraw, especially when they feel they cannot meet the standard.

What appears from the outsideaslazinessorlackof effort may, in reality, be something deeper It may be fear of failure, emotional exhaustion, or quiet discouragement When success feels like the only acceptable outcome, even small setbacks can feel overwhelming. Over time, thiscanleadtopatternssuch as procrastination, avoidance, or self-doubt The child is not avoiding work.They are avoiding the emotionalweightattachedto it.

AParent’sView:The PressureTheyCarryToo It is important to understand that pressure does not only exist on the child’s side. Parents carry it as well. Consider a parent who works long hours, makes sacrifices daily, and sees education or success as the one clear path forward.

W h e n t h e i r c h i l d underperforms, the reaction may seem sharp or intense.

“AfterallIdoing,thisiswhat youbring?”Thewordscome out quickly, but beneath themissomethingdeeper

There is fear Fear that the child may struggle the samewaytheydid.Fearthat opportunities may be lost. Fearthatallthesacrificemay nottranslateintoprogress.In thatmoment,theresponseis not only about the report or the result It is about everything the parent has experienced and everything they are trying to prevent. Psychologically,thisreflects emotional projection, where internal fears are expressed through external pressure. The intention is protection, but the impact can feel like burden Both sides are carrying something. They justexperienceitdifferently BalancingExpectation andSupport Expectation, in itself, is not harmful. It can provide

direction, structure, and motivation. The difference lies in balance Children

benefit from what psychologists describe as authoritative parenting, where high expectations are paired with emotional support, communication, and understanding. In this approach, parents set clear standards but remain responsive.Theycorrect,but they also explain They expect effort, but they allow roomforstruggle.

This balance supports whatisknowninpsychology as Self-Determination Theory, which emphasizes three core needs for healthy development: autonomy, competence,andrelatedness (Deci & Ryan). Children needtofeelcapable,butthey also need to feel connected and have a sense of control over their growth. When expectations are high but autonomy is low, pressure i n c r e a s e s W h e n expectations are high and s

development becomes more sustainable.

Rethinking

SuccessandIdentity

One of the most importantshiftsisredefining success. When success is seen only as outcome, pressure increases. When it is seen as growth, learning, anddevelopment,itbecomes moresustainable. Children need to understand that they are morethantheirperformance. Their identity cannot be redu

des, achievements, or external validation. This does not red

on It strengthens it by creating a foundation that is not easily shakenbysetbacks.

UnderstandingBehavior ThroughContext

EdD

When viewed more closely, behaviors that appear confusing often have deeperroots.Whatlookslike lack of motivation may be fear of failure. What looks like defiance may be resistance to pressure. What looks like indifference may beemotionalexhaustion.

Understanding these patterns allows parents and educators to respond more effectively Itshiftsthefocus f r o m c o n t r o l t o development, from reaction tounderstanding.Becausein theend,childrendonotonly grow into what they are taught.Theygrowintowhat theybelievetheymustbe.

Every belief has a history

Everyreactionhasaroot.

Understanding them is wherewisdombegins.

Dr. EonAndre George, PhD,

AlignmentandConsistency —theQuietForcesThatShapeOurLives

There are seasons in life when one word becomesa compass. For me, this past week, thatwordhasbeenalignment.

I have been reflecting deeply on what alignmenttrulymeans,notjustasanidea,but as a lived experience. Recently, I shared an analogythatstayedwithme.Acarthatisnot properly aligned cannot move smoothly It pulls in the wrong direction, it wears down unnecessarily, and even when it reaches its destination, the journey is longer and more difficultthanitneedstobe.

Inmanyways,ourlivesfunctionthesame way

When we are not aligned, whether internally, emotionally, spiritually, or professionally, we feel it. Things become heavier than they should be. Decisions take longer Progress feels forced And sometimes,wearriveatplacesthatdonotfeel liketheybelongtous.

Alignment, on the other hand, brings clarity It brings ease, not because life becomes effortless, but because it becomes intentional.

Recently, I had to make a decision that wasnoteasy,butitwasnecessary.Ihadtolet go of something that had been a part of my lifeforsometime.Onthesurface,itmaynot have seemed urgent or even obvious to others,butinternally,Iknewitwasnolonger aligned.

Itdidnotfeelright.Itdisruptedmyflow It created a kind of internal resistance that I couldnolongerignore.

One of the things I have learned is that misalignment does not always announce itself loudly Sometimes it shows up quietly in how you feel, in how you respond, and in the subtle tension you carry If you are not payingattention,youcanremaininthatspace longerthanyoushould.

Letting go is not always about loss. Sometimesitisaboutcorrection.

Itisaboutchoosingtoreturntoaplaceof clarity,evenwhenitrequiresdiscomfort.Itis about trusting that what is aligned will supportyourmovement,andwhatisnotwill eventuallyslowyoudown.

In that moment, I chose alignment over attachment.

Almost immediately, there was a shift. Not necessarily in circumstance, but in clarity,inenergy,andindirection.

Esther’s story in the Bible is a powerful reminder of what alignment looks like in action. She did not begin in a position of influence, but she was placed in one at a critical moment Her journey was not accidental. It was alignment. There came a point where she had to decide whether she would remain comfortable or step fully into her assignment. When she chose to move with courage and clarity, she fulfilled a purpose far greater than herself. It is often saidthatshewascalledforsuchatimeasthat, andthattruthspeakstoallofus.Alignmentis not just about where you are. It is about recognising when you are in position and havingthecouragetoact.

One of the questions I am often asked is whether I get homesick when I travel. My answerhasevolvedovertime.Ihavecometo understandthatmysenseofhomeisnottied

to a physical place. My home is where my alignmentformyassignmentis.

That understanding has given me a differentkindoffreedom.

It means that even when I am moving across countries, across cultures, and across unfamiliar spaces, I remain grounded Groundingdoesnotcomefromgeography It comesfromalignment.Whenyouarealigned with your purpose, your values, and your direction, you carry your sense of home withinyou.

As I write this, I am preparing to move again.TomorrowIwillbeinadifferentplace. ButIdonotfeeldisplaced.Ifeelpositioned.

Thatisthepowerofalignment.

Alignmentrequireshonesty Itasksyouto reflect on whether you are where you are supposed to be, or simply where you have become comfortable. It asks whether your decisionsaredrivenbypurposeorobligation. It challenges you to consider whether your currentpathreflectswhoyouarebecoming.

Thesearenotalwayseasyquestions,but they are necessary. Because even small misalignments,whenleftunaddressed,grow overtime.

Another way I think about alignment is throughthebody Whenthebodyisproperly aligned, movement is fluid and strong. But when something is out of place, the entire system compensates. One imbalance can affecteverything.

The same is true in our lives. When one area is out of alignment, it begins to impact everything else. We may not recognize it immediately, but over time it shows up in fatigue,frustration,andlackofclarity

Alignmentisnotaone-timedecision.Itis a continuous process of adjustment. As we grow and evolve, our assignments shift, and we must be willing to realign ourselves accordingly

Butalignmentaloneisnotenough.

Alignment gives direction. Consistency givesmomentum.

Consistency is a word that has been closely associatedwith me over the years. It is something people often say when they describemyworkandmyjourney Ifthereis onethingtheyrecognize,itisthatIstaywith whatIcommitto,especiallywhenIbelievein it.

Consistency is not about perfection. It is about presence. It is about showing up repeatedlywithintention,evenwhenitisnot convenient.

It is built in the quiet moments. It is the decision to continue when there is no immediate reward. It is the discipline to follow through when the initial excitement has passed. It is the commitment to a vision longbeforeitfullymanifests.

There have been many moments in my journey where it would have been easier to stop or to shift direction. But when I am alignedwithsomething,Iremaincommitted toit.

Thatiswherealignmentandconsistency meet.

Alignment without consistency leads to unrealized potential. Consistency without alignmentleadstoexhaustion.

But when the two work together,

somethingchanges.

You move with clarity You act with intention.Youbuildwithpurpose.

Over time, you also develop trust in yourself.Eachtimeyoushowupconsistently for something you are aligned with, you reinforcethebeliefthatyoucanrelyonyour owndisciplineanddirection.

In a world that constantly pulls us in different directions, alignment centers us. In a world that often celebrates quick results, consistencygroundsus.

Together, they create a rhythm that sustainsprogressandpurpose.

Sothisweek,Iamfocusingonalignment. I am paying attention to where I feel clarity andwhereIfeelresistance.Iammakingthe adjustments that allow me to move forward withintention.

AsImoveintonextweek,myfocuswill shifttoconsistency Becauseitisnotenough

toknowwhereyouaremeanttobe.Youmust alsohavethedisciplinetoremainthereandto buildfromthatplace.

Think about these two words as you reflect,andconsiderhowyoucanincorporate them into your own life as we continue to celebrate this beautiful journey called life beyondtherunway

THE YORUBA SINGERS IGNITE A CULTURAL INFERNO WITH ‘Midnight Fire at the GPSU’

ByKhadijaBa

Asthegoldenhourfades and the sultry heat of the Garden city mellows into a cool Atlantic drift, the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) undergoes a mystical metamorphosis. The building, a stoic landmark by day, begins to hum with a primal energy that can be felt blocks away This is Friday night,thenightwhenthelegendary Eze Rockcliffe and his Yoruba Singersreclaimtheirthrone.

AKaleidoscopeofSouls

By 6:00 PM, the doors swing open to a vibrant tapestry of Guyanese life. KN observed more than 70 devotees, from silverhaired stalwarts carrying the wisdom of decades to young firebrands seeking a connection to their roots, converge in a jubilant collisionof“allwalksoflife.”They come for the music, but they stay forthespirit.

The stage is a powerhouse of rhythmic precision With a drummer whose beats echo like thunder, a bass guitarist weaving a deep, velvet foundation, and a

keyboardist painting melodic streaks across the air, the sonic landscapeisvast.Frontandcenter, the vocal trio of Keron Richards, Kenneth Rockcliffe, and Jocelyn Rockcliffe deliver a performance fueled by an almost supernatural alacrity

The“FunSegment”and LiquidCourage

The evening is an endurance testofjoy,boastingarepertoirethat swells past 50 songs. The “fun segment”, a high-octane karaoke session, serves as the bridge between the instrumental mastery

and the vocal fire. Behind the counter,thewell-stockedbarworks its magic, keeping voices “sultry andlubricated”whileemboldening thecrowdtoshedtheirinhibitions.

The floor becomes a sea of motion.Multicolouredlightsdance like spirits along the walls as patrons rock precariously in their chairs, their bodies possessed by the rhythm. Fingers snap, heads nod in a trance-like state, and feet tap out an intricate language of appreciationonthehardwood.

BlackPepper,DangerWater, andthe“Creakateh”Craze

Theenergyshiftedfromembers to a roaring flame when the band dove into their culturally heavy hitters. The room erupted as they performed “Black Pepper” and “Danger Water,” songs delivered notjustwithvoices,butwithatidal wave of physical movement that saw the singers weaving and swaying in a synchronized display ofstorytelling.

Then came the infectious, ribshaking pulse of “Creakateh.” The “old school” reggae section followed, a nostalgic journey that turned the hall into a slow-moving oceanofdancingbodies.

TheCrescendoofthe MasacuraMan

As midnight approached, the atmosphere reached a fever pitch. The beat intensified, a frantic and beautiful acceleration that forced every soul to their feet. In a final, explosive tribute to Guyanese folklore,thebandlaunchedintothe legendofthe“MasacuraMan.”

The drums thundered, the voices soared to a crescendo that rattled the rafters, and the dancing became a blur of pure, unadulteratedecstasy.Andthen,in one final, masterful stroke of timing, everything slammed to a halt.Thesilencethatfollowedwas heavywiththesweat,laughter,and lingering echoes of a heritage that refusestobequieted.

Lead Singer of theYoruba Singer, Eze Rockcliffe

Ascene from ‘Midnight Fire at the GPSU’by theYoruba Singers

with a Purpose is on a mission for female empowerment Miss Guyana Teen

The newly crowned Miss Guyana Teen with a Purpose (MGTWP) Syesha Fraser is on mission to empowerwomenandgirlstobecomebetterversions ofthemselves.Aspartofherreign,theteenagebeauty willalsobejoiningwiththeDepartmentofEducation to sensitize youth about the dangers of bullying in schools.

TheMGTWPwinnertoldthispublicationthatshe plans to work alongside the franchise holder, Miss PamelaVaughnandthe'Girls StandUp' programme topromotefemaleempowerment.

AstheﬁrstcontestantfromLinden,Region10to copthecovetedtitle,Fraserwillbeusingherplatform forapositivecommunityimpact.

“Throughoutreachandyouthinitiatives,Ihopeto inspirenotonlymycommunitybutothersbeyondit.I willcontinueadvocatingforwomenandindividuals aﬀected by bullying, helping to create safe spaces where kindness is encouraged and bullying is left behind,shesaid.

Fraser highlighted her journey into pageantry whichbeganataveryyoungage.

Shesaidthatsheﬁrstexperiencedcompetitionsin nurseryandprimaryschool,throughEasterhatshows where she discovered a love for creativity and conﬁdence.

“At the time, I never imagined that these small momentswouldleadtosomethingmuchgreater,”

Her role in beauty contests later shifted after a church member who was part of the youth group leaderforthePoliceYouthGroupinmyhometownof CoomackaMines,decidedtosignherupfortheMiss PoliceYouthAmbassadorPageant.

“Oneday,whatseemedlikeasimplecoincidence changedeverything…Iwasnervousandunsure,butI chose to be brave and give it a try I saw it as an opportunitytogrowandchallengemyself—andthat decisionmarkedthebeginningofmytruepassionfor pageantry.”

As she continued on this journey, the MGTWP said hard work and determination paid oﬀ when she won the title of Miss Police Youth Ambassador, RegionalDivision10,in2022.

This achievement opened new doors, giving the youngteentheopportunitytorepresentDistrictTenat the Inter-Regional Miss Guyana Police Youth AmbassadorPageant.Alongtheway,Iearnedseveral awards, including People's Choice, Miss Congeniality,BestGown,andBestSmile.

“Each recognition, reminded me that my dedicationwasseenandvalued,”sheexplained.

Tothisend,shenotedthatwhenshewasgiventhe (Continuedonpage45)

The newly crowned Miss Guyana T een with a Purpose, Syesha Fraser

'A La Cart'e',

the ideal place for your décor and catering needs

ByAllyiahAllicock

“We started A La Cart'e because Guyana deserves events that feel personal, innovative,andunique.”Thoseare thewordsofthreeyoungambitious women who joined forces and launched their décor and catering businessinDecember2025.

The three young women, Siani Archer,DestinyHinds,andShontel Prescott, believe in turning moments into memories and through'ALaCart'e',theyaimedto deliverjustthat.

Before we get into what this thriving business is all about, let's take a moment to get to know the exceptionalownersbehindit.

Twenty-two-year-old Prescott, she is considered the business' “Queen of detail” and “fairy godmother.”Ifthere'satheme,she will make it come to life in the linens,andcenterpieces.

With a very particular mother who is privy to details, it was only natural that Prescott inherited that trait.

Not only that, but from her father's hotel and banquet hall business, she was exposed to the worldofeventsatayoungage.

The only girl of four brothers, this young woman naturally took on the roles of juice maker, baker, detail-oriented planner, and family fashionista. Realising that talent, she branched into roles that matchedherpurpose.

Asfor23-year-oldHinds,sheis titled the “Flavour Queen” of the business since she has a knack for culinary Her love for adventure andpassionforcreativeexpression leaches into her kitchen in the best way

Sheistheexperimentalistofthe group—neverafraidtotrydifferent f l a v o u r s O u t s i d e o f confectionaries, Hinds is a selfdriven environmental activist with a passion for sustainable development, social inclusion, and a technical background in renewableenergy

As it relates to 26-year-old Archer, she is the Event Planner that keeps everything running

“Young people, especially in the Caribbean, are uniquely placed to take advantage of the opportunities that come with the global need for innovation. The youth's mind is incredibly creative. We see problems and immediately imagine new ways around them, mixing culture, tech, and business in ways that didn't exist 5 years ago.”

smoothly From booking the DJ to securing the location, she is the womanforthejob.Byday,she'san analyst, and then by night, she's crunchingnumbersforALaCart'e. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Economics from the University of Guyana and is also a writer and

bake sale, and finallya full-

snack/beverage bar at an album cover The rest is history,” they explained.

About their business, it does decor and catering, practically at full-service, making it less stress forclients.

“That means one team, one vision,fromthefirstthemeboardto thelastfork.Ourfullserviceexists so you're not stuck playing the middlemanbetweenacaterer,who doesn't talk to your decorator We plan the menu with the tablescape inmind,”theyexplained.

On the catering side, they explained that they handle custom menus, dietary needs, taste tests, andday-ofservice,whetherit'sfor a corporate launch or a full plated dinnerforawedding.

Itisimportanttonote,thatthey haveavestedinterestinveganand vegetariancuisinesbecausefinding accessible, affordable, and deliciousoptionsinGeorgetownis noteasy

“That's where A La Cart'e is making a difference. Everyone deserves to eat. And for those looking to expand their palates, we'd be happy to put you on to somethingnew,”theystated.

Relatingtothedécor,“Welead our design process with client consults, visual mockups when needed, and hands-on styling.” Theyaddedthattheysourcelocally whentheycanandreuse/repurpose piecessoit'scustomandconscious.

Guaranteed to deliver a better experience every time, the trio stated that with innovation being one of the pillars of the business, theylistenandvaluefeedbackfrom their clients. These relationships, they said are important to the (Continuedonpage48)

Young Entrepreneur, SianiArcher

Young Entrepreneur, Destiny Hinds

Young Entrepreneur, Shontel Prescott

Just a glimpse of the catering serviceALa Cart'e has to offer

Just some of the décor services the business has done since it started.

EightmonthsafterOreallaschoolprojectcollapses,nonew contractoridentied

Eightmonthsaftertheinitialcontractfortheconstructionof theOreallaSecondarySchoolinRegionSixwasterminatedby the Ministry of Education, a new contractor is yet to be identiﬁedtocompletetheproject.

Kaieteur News reported in January that the $198.8 million schoolprojectwasterminatedbackinAugust2025afteritwas discovered that tenders were opened at the National ProcurementandTenderAdministrationBoard(NPTAB)oﬃce forthesameprojectinDecember2025.

Since then, this publication has been informed that a new contractorisyettostartworksontheschoolproject.

ToshaoofOreallaVillage,LaurenceVandenburghonFriday told Kaieteur News that he recently inquired about the school projectfromtheRegionalAuthoritiesandwastolditwasinthe “tenderingprocess.”

In response, the Toshao said he hopes the new contract is awardedsoonsothatstudentscanremainintheircommunityto attendschool.Hesaidparentswhoarecurrentlyforcedtosend theirchildrentoschoolsonthecoasthaveexpressedfrustration overthesituation.

Currently,boththeOreallaPrimaryandSecondaryschools are housed in one building and accommodate just over 190 students.

ToshaoVandenburghsaidwhilethebuildingaccommodates the students, there is need for the students and teachers to be comfortable and the primary and secondary schools to have theirownspace.

Hedisclosedthatthestudentsarerequiredtosharethesame resources Further, the secondary school students have complained that they do not have proper materials to do their laboratorywork.

“ForCXC,theystillneedtheirspacetodocertainlabsand they don't have that so they have to improvise. Nothing major butthenewschoolwouldhavebeneﬁttedthemmore,”hesaid.

KaieteurNewsreportedthattheterminationofthecontract comeslessthanayearafterahigh-proﬁlesod-turningceremony and follows the contractor's failure to meet construction deadlines. According to NPTAB website, in December four contractors have bid for the ministry's project. The project is slatedtobedoneinfourlots.

The contractors who applied for the contract are Chavi Construction; Taylor's Construction and Transport who bid Lot1 $19,491,100 Lot2 $50,794,100, Lot3 $34,855,350, Lot4 $29,855,200;Ali'sConstructionandMaintenanceServiceswho bid Lot1 $30,043,900, Lot2 $76,748,000, Lot3 $59,804,000, Lot4$38,619,300;andM&MandDaughtersGrocerywhobid Lot1 $25,333,600, Lot2 $61,053,100, Lot3 $45,611,350, Lot4 $32,328,500.

The Ministry of Education in September 2024 held a sod turningceremonyfortheconstructionoftheschool.Theproject was awarded to 4S Security & Building Enterprise for $198,866,010. The supervision of the project was said to be conducted by CEMCO Incorporated. It was reported by the ministry at the time that already the contractor was given an initialmobilisationamountof$59,659,803andthattheproject isanticipatedtobecompletedwithinsixmonths.

“LastyearinAugustbeforethenewschoolyearstarted,they th had a deadline for the 15 of August to complete everything, however, the contractor didn't reach the deadline and they decidetoterminateit,”theToshaotoldthispublicationbackin January

Detailing the amount of works done under the initial contract,ToshaoVandenburghsaidthatthestructureshavebeen erectedandthisincludesthreebuildings.Headdedthatoneof thebuildingsalreadyhasitsroofon.

During the sod turning ceremony, it was revealed that the secondary school will feature six modern classrooms, four specialised laboratories, and a well-equipped library, aimed at providinghigh-qualitylearningenvironmentforapproximately 180 students. The facility is expected to serve the educational needsofstudentsfrombothOreallaandthenearbySiparutaarea therebyaddressingacriticalgapineducationalresources.

The new Orealla Secondary School is poised to make a substantial impact on the local community, ensuring that studentsinthisriverainvillageandthesurroundingareasbeneﬁt fromimprovededucationalfacilities.

Further, the school will not only beneﬁt students by eliminatingtheneedforthemtotraveltothecoastforsecondary schoolingbutwillalsoeasetheﬁnancialburdenonparentswho previouslyhadtopayforaccommodationandotherexpenses.

Former Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand (center) and the contractor among other oﬃcials turning the sod for the construction of the new Orealla Secondary School in September 2024.

Life on Guyana's border with Venezuela

Frompage16

doesnotalwayshavetostopatthe police station. “Sometimes people coming here so much, they have their documents but sometimes, you stop so they can see immigration.”

AttheImboteroPoliceStation, we are told that the borders have been “closed” which resulted in less speed boat traffic. “Border closed?” Paul (name withheld) chuckles.Paul,alongwithsomeof hisworkmen,isloadingfuelbarrels into a boat at a small convenience shop across the river from the Imbotero Police Station “The borders are never closed, people who live here and there depend on bothcountries,”headvised.

This shop sells “everything” from fuel and cooking gas to clothingandfoodsupplies.Among the food items are Venezuelan products.

Pointing to pasta and flour, Simon said these are the packages that some of his passengers would bringtoGuyanatosell.“Thoseare someSpanishthingstheyliketoeat here.”

On the shelves are also many products made in Guyana, like packaged “Demerara Gold” Sugar and“Thunderbolt”flour

Thirty-year-old Shelly who visited the shop to make a small purchase feels that there are fewer available options with a smaller number of items coming from Venezuela.

Shesaidthereweremanymore food options up to a decade ago. “We had more variety and the priceswerenotsoheavyforfood,” Shellyexplained.

Fuel was among the needs, traded unofficially across the border There aren't well established official reasons behind the reduced trade in fuel between thetwocountriesintheseparts.

Residents in several of the communities on the border offer different explanations. They listed “ongoingtension”betweenthetwo countriesoverEssequibo,andalso the impact of Venezuela's economic decline on the availabilityoffuel.

Fuel nevertheless remains in high demand in Region One with heightened economic activities includinggoldmining.

In Imbotero Village, fuel is needed mainly for river craft. The communityisasmallonewithless than 50 people and lies within the ImboteroCreekjustoffthebankof theBarimaRiver

Its leader or Toshao is Simon Lakhan,afarmer “Weusuallyneed a lot of fuel to get to the farms,” Lakhan explained. “Many years ago, cheaper fuel came from Venezuela, now we get it from Charity,” he said, “and is a lil bit moremoney.”

Back at Kamaka Landing in Mabaruma, Derrick Persaud solicits the assistance of porters to offload more than 50 barrels of fuel. “These coming from town,” Persaudsaid.ThatisGeorgetown–Guyana'scapital.

There is no way of verifying that the fuel is actually from an officialfuelsourceinGeorgetown, butPersaudsaidhetravelsbetween Charity in RegionTwo to Kumaka inRegionOnetransportingfuel.

“You leave from Kumaka, you go through the Barima River into thebigWainiintoMoruca,99turn, youreachMorucaandstraightinto Charity,” Persaud said as he described the route he and about twoporterswouldtake.

This trip can take up to seven daysasboatsthatarriveinCharity havetojoinaqueueforfuel.Some boatstransportcloseto50drumsof fuelatatime,andlargervesselsas manyas100drums.

“Ifyouwanttobreakeven,you have to be looking to bring more than50drums,”Persaudexplained. This could be the only source of fuel for communities in Region One,sothedemandishighandsois the cost. “People hungry for fuel here because normally is a lot of vehicles,alotofboats,alotofriver life,”hesaid.

Fuel is also important for mining. Mining is mainly done in Port Kaituma which is about 54 kilometresfromMabaruma.

WhenCIJNvisitedtheKumaka Waterfront, one gold miner was present to buy fuel. “I don't want my name to call,” the man said, agreeing to speak with us anonymously “This here is a need rightnowforusinFourMiles.”

“Four Miles” is a mining area and is referred to as “Four Mile Backdam” as it is home to many goldminingcamps.“Mybosssaid weneedabout20barrels,soIcame outtogetthose,”theminersaid.

Thefuelistransferredfromone barrel to another and then transported via boat to Port Kaituma. Once in Port Kaituma, the barrels are then taken to the campsitesviatrucks.

The gold miner claims that he has worked various mining sites across Guyana but said that workingatsitesclosetotheborder withVenezuelacanbedangerous.

“Youjustdon'tknowwhothem man got running these places,” he said. “They would be monitoring your camp and when you wash down (gold), they run in and rob you.”

He has not been at a camp that hasbeenrobbedbutclaimsthathe had friends robbed by Spanishspeaking gunmen. “I said these manisVenezuelanbutsometimesI don't know, could be people we knowtryingtoconfusethecamp.”

Many other goods also appear to make their way from Venezuela to Guyana. At Kumaka Landing, wespottedimportedbeveragesand food merchandise in one of the boatsbeingoffloaded.

KumakaLandingisnottheonly port for goods and people entering Mabaruma. The Amacuro River closetotheCoursimaVillageisone of the unofficial transportation channels between the two countries.

As we head to the Coursima Village,CIJNistoldthatthereisa

“landing.” That is where small boatsaretiedaftertheycometothe shore This landing is nestled within the dense forest with small homesteadsinitsclosevicinity

Aswereachedtheareatowalk to the landing, it seemed like the most unusual and secretive place for movement of people, but it is that mystique that allows for unofficial trade and movement of peopletooccur

In Coursima, we followed a recently-constructed concrete path to a path between trees, where women sit by the water way washing clothing as small canoes are visible in the waterway Our guide Waldo Johnson explained that this “landing” has “always” beenthere.“Sometimesthewateris low,sotheWaraopeoplepulltheir boats along theAmacuro,” he told us.

A small shop in the area had numerous products on display for sale. “These are all from Kumaka Landing,webuyeverythingthere,” the attendant tells us. Eggs are in highdemand.

“Manypeoplecan'taffordmeat like chicken, so people come and buy two eggs or so,” the attendant explained. Many of the customers are indigenous Warao “migrants” sheclaims.

A small cluster of thatched roofs homes in Coursima belongs toaWaraofamily Butatthetimeof CIJN's visit, they were not there, “Theymayhavemovedtoanother location,”Johnsonsuggested.

Warao People Adjust to New Homes

TheWaraocanbefoundinlarge numbers among Region One residents. Many Warao families have been navigating the waterways between the two countriesforcenturies.

Waldo Johnson, a Mabruma native, tells CIJN, “so this is their home too, even though many peoplecallthemmigrants.”

Johnsonestimatesthatsincethe economic decline in Venezuela, many communities in Region One are seeing more Warao families settling in one place. Along the Barima River, small thatched-roof homes are visible in an area called “SmithCreek.”

OntheImboteroCreekrightoff thebankoftheBarimaRiver,many Warao families have erected small homesusingbambooandbranches. Thesearedistinctfromthewooden homes in the small riverine communities.

Duringtheday,mostofthemen areawayatthefarms.“Youwould only find the Warao women here now,andtheywouldn'tspeakmuch unlessthemenaround,”Valarie,an Imboterovillagertoldus.

The fewWarao women seen in this village were washing and cooking while a few children took bathsintheriver

When CIJN attempted to interview them, Johnson pointed outthattheyonlyspeakWaraoand Spanish. Through Johnson, one of the women said she was “comfortable” living in Imbotero

but she misses some of her family whowereinVenezuela,“Ican'tgo back, not now” she tells Johnson, “itissobadthere,nofood,nofood, onlyhereIcanfeedmyfamily.”

There are otherWarao families living on the Barima River One groupcomprisesfamiliescurrently residingatSmithCreek.

There, the families say they have “adjusted” to life in Guyana. “It got very difficult to live in Venezuela,” Paul tells Johnson in his native Warrao tongue. “But I heard some good news, Maduro is gone,”Paullaughs.

“I could think about going to see what is happening soon.” Paul adds that he left Venezuela five years ago. “I visited some friends theretwoyearsago,butIdon'tlike tovisitoften.”

Hesayshehashadtospendalot more resources to visit Venezuela. “You have to spend on fuel, and I wouldhavetotakesomerationbut most times I have to give things to the military and others, you know, likegangs,so,youknow,Icangeta safepassage,”Paulexplains.

BackinMabaruma,wetraveled foralmosttwohoursfromKumaka Landing to a place called Khan's Hill.

There are several Warao families living in thatched-roof homes at this location. “They all came from Venezuela years ago,' JohnsontellsCIJN.

Julio (one name given) is the leaderamongthisgroup.Speaking in Warao dialect, the man says he left Venezuela about seven years ago. “It got really hard to live there,”headds.

“I remember so much of our time there, we were happy, but all of that changed with Maduro,” Julio explains. “I blamed him for where we are, we had better living there ” Dasilva, another elder, explainedthathismovecameafter the family began losing crops they farmed to gangs and the military

“It was a hard time, if we had somethingthemencameandtakeit away, the food, the medicine everything,”hesaid.

Living at Khan's Hill has been described as different by many of the families. Johnson said the Waraopeopleareknownforliving onthewaterorclosetowaterways.

“They are known as the water people, they live in their boats and maketheirhomesontherivers.”

Here, they are inland and far awayfromanywaterway Butthere are signs that they have made Khan'sHilltheirhome.Atleastone permanentextendedwoodenliving quarter has been constructed. This

housesseveralfamiliesincludinga newbornbabysightedbyCIJN. In the settlement, many of the structures are not enclosed – with no doors or walls They are constructed using bamboo and lumber from the area and all have thatchedroofs.

Water is collected in black plastic tanks donated by various groups and the government Chickens and dogs run around the settlement,andsomegardenscould beseenaroundthesettlement.

The families consume fish and buy small amounts of rice and sugar Manyofthechildrenarenot inschool.Languagealsoremainsa significantbarrier

Johnson explained “they speak only Warao and Spanish, so it is hard for the children to be enrolled.”Afewchildrenbenefited from limited classes held in the settlement by a volunteer. The women are occupied with caring for the children and chores that includecookingandwashing.

Dasilva said many of the men would seek employment in nearby farms, but employment is not always guaranteed. Even without employment, Dasilva feels that he is still comfortable calling Khan's Hill his home “Nothing will change in Venezuela, I am not going back, I feel safe here,” he declared.

Vybert Vazrov is one of the medics that visit the settlement to provide treatment Vazrov explainedthatmanyofthefamilies arenomadic.

“I may treat some today here, butImovetoanotherlocation,and I see the same people next week,” heexplained.

Vazrov added that many of the people are treated for common illnessesandcanrangefromcough and colds to malaria. “Many of them live in swampy areas and some live in areas that we classify as the border,” Vazrov said. “It is very problematic to classify them asmigrantssincetheylivesoclose tobothcountries.”

Border life under such circumstances is both arduous and unpredictable Access to basic services takes time and living conditionsremainachallenge.But, to many, it remains a safe haven. Julio sees himself and his family remaining at Khan's Hill. “This is home now,” he says. “I miss river lifebutthishome.”Heisnotalone either in arriving at such a conclusion or in predicting what thefutureholds.

(Article republished from CIJN–April7,2026)

ANaval base operated by the Venezuelan Military (Nazima Raghubir)

Miss Guyana Teen...

Frompage41 opportunity to compete again,shedidn'thesitate.

“I was excited and ready to push myself even further One of the most meaningful parts of the experience was the bond I formed with the other delegates The sisterhood we built gave us strengthandmotivation—not justforthecompetitionnight, but in promoting our platforms and applying our skillsbeyondthestage.”

The young woman said winning the crown was always her goal, but nothing comparestohearinghername called.

“In that moment, every sacriﬁce and every hour of hard work felt worthwhile Above all, I felt proud to make my family and community proud, knowing howmuchtheyhadsupported me from the very beginning. My journey does not end here—I will be representing Guyana in St Kitts this December, where I hope to continue making my country proud,”sherevealed.

Beyondpageantry,Fraser isaproudgraduateofQueen's College, where she obtained 11 CSEC subjects, and is currently completing sixth form at Christiansburg WismarSecondarySchool. Fraser noted that she has always had a passion for the arts whether dancing at school events and church or expressing herself through sewing, designing clothing, knitting, and crafts. “I also enjoy nature hikes, ﬁshing, kayaking, and spending meaningful time with my family.”

As queen, the teen wants toencourageyounggirlswho dreamofenteringpageantry

“I encourage you to believe in yourself and take that step. Pageantry requires courage, intelligence, and strength, and it can open doors you never imagined. It places you in spaces where you can grow, make an impact, and represent your country Most importantly, embrace the journey and cherish every moment,” she said.

Suspect arrested, gun...

Frompage14 escaped on foot, leaving behind the motorcycle and a haversack containing cash,” thereportdetailed.

Duo busted with 45lbs ganja at Weldaad

Two men from New Amsterdam, Berbice were arrested on Thursdayaftertheywerebustedwithaquantityofcannabisduringa stop-and-search exercise along the Weldaad Public Road, Region Five.

Police said ranks intercepted a white Toyota Fielder Wagon car with two male occupants, a 28-year-old male of Timmers Dam, Angoy'sAvenue,NewAmsterdam,Berbiceandthepassenger,a20year-oldlabourerofNewAmsterdam,Berbice.

The men along with the car were searched during which four bulky parcels wrapped in transparent plastic and containing leaves, seeds and stems suspected to be cannabis were found in two multicolouredshoppingbagsinthetrunk.

Policesaidthemenwerebotharrestedandtakenintocustody

“The suspected cannabis, motor vehicleand both suspects were escortedtotheWeldaadPoliceStation,wherethesuspectednarcotics wereweighedintheirpresenceandamountedto45.4poundsbefore beinglodged,”thepolicesaid.

The parcels of cannabis police found during an operation at Weldaad, where two men were arrested.

Investigators have since recovered two spent shells and the motorcycle was lodged Further, CCTV footage from the business premises was also retrieved and viewed as part of the investigation.Later that night between 22:00hrs and 22:19hrs, police ranks said theyconductedasearchatthe homeofa27-year-oldmanof Plaisance, in relation to the robbery.In his presence, a search was conducted in a bedroom, and “a suspected firearm was found wrapped in a cloth inside a clothes basket,”thepolicereported.

The suspect was shown the suspected firearm, and asked if he was a licensed firearm holder to which he statedhewasnot.Thefirearm was lodged and he was arrested and taken into custody

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U.S. to let Venezuela pay Maduro’s lawyer in drug trafficking case

April 25 - The United States has agreed to modify its sanctions on Venezuela to allow the South American country’s government to pay Nicolás Maduro’s defense lawyer, backing off a restrictionthathadthreatened to derail the drug trafficking case against the ousted Venezuelanpresident,acourt filingshowedonFriday

Maduro, 63, and his wife CiliaFlores,69,werecaptured fromtheirhomeinCaracasby U.S.specialforcesonJanuary 3andbroughttoNewYorkto face criminal charges including narcoterrorism conspiracy They have pleaded not guilty and are jailed in Brooklyn pending trial.

Maduro’s lawyer Barry Pollack in February asked

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Manhattan-based U.S. District Judge Alvin Hellersteintodismissthecase because U.S. sanctions were preventing the Venezuelan government from paying his legalfees.

Pollack said that prohibition amounted to a violation of Maduro’s rights undertheU.S.Constitutionto the counsel of his choice.

NeitherMaduronorFlores can afford lawyers on their own, and the Venezuelan governmentispreparedtopay their fees, their lawyers have said.

Allcriminaldefendantsin the U.S. have constitutional rights regardless of whether theyareU.S.citizens.

HellersteinsaidinaMarch 26 court hearing that he did notintendtodismissthecase, but appeared skeptical that the government was justified

in blocking the payments.

Prosecutor Kyle Wirshba said in court that the U.S. sanctions blocking the payments were based on legitimate national security and foreign policy interests.

Wirshba also said that Hellersteincouldnotorderthe Treasury Department to modify its sanctions because the executive branch, not the judiciary, is in charge of foreignpolicy

Hellerstein noted that the U.S. had relaxed sanctions on Venezuela since Maduro’s ouster Relations between Caracas and Washington have improved since Delcy Rodriguez, Maduro’s former vice president, began leading Venezuela on an interim basis.

“The defendant is here, Flores is here. They present

no further national security threat,” said Hellerstein, a judicial appointee of Democratic President Bill Clinton. “The right that’s implicated, paramount over other rights, is the right to constitutional counsel.”

Duringhisfirstterminthe White House, U.S. President Donald Trump ramped up sanctions on Venezuela over allegations that Maduro’s government was corrupt and undermining democratic institutions. Washington called Maduro’s 2018 reelectionfraudulent. Maduro dismissed those accusations, along with allegationsofhisparticipation in drug trafficking, as pretextual justifications for whathecalledaU.S.desireto seize control of the South AmericanOPECnation’svast oil reserves.

‘ALa Cart’e’, the ideal place for...

From page 42 community they are building and that is why every event teachesthemmoreabouthow they can better serve you.

Speakingontheirsupport and the feedback they have received since collaborating inDecember2025,theynoted thattheirfamiliesandfriends have been their loudest cheerleaders.“Theywereour first taste testers, our free labourers, and the ones reposting every flyer like it’s their job,” they recalled.

Besides families and friends, they related that the supportfromthewiderpublic has been positive in the best way. Persons would not only use their services, but some would provide feedbacks, share posts, and keep them accountable too.

“Saving the best for last, our biggest supporter is God, who pushes us to be ourselves,givesusguidance, and enables us with ideas. Insteadofcastingthemaside, we launch them into action with the entire team in full support.We’restillsmall,but we’re not doing this alone,” the women expressed.

navigate through it all, they shared that their long-term goal is to make A La Cart’e have its own home. “A restaurant space where people can experience A La Cart’e any day of the week, not just at events,” they mentioned.

Additionally, they disclosedthatlong-term,they are building a full-service event brand in Guyana that doesnotlosethecustomfeel.

“Places where you can book your wedding, grab lunch, or pick up dessert for a time— all done theALa Cart’e way: personal, innovative, and unique.”

Meanwhile, our featured entrepreneursareoftheview thatsmallbusinessownersare importantinoursocietysince they are leading the way forward.

According to them with Guyana being the fastestgrowing nation in the world, thisisanunprecedentedtime in our society, and as such, it rests on the young entrepreneurstotakeadvantage of every opportunity made available, and when none exists, they must create one.

industry, how to create a business plan, and how to make your small business export-ready—these are critical, but there’s an educational gap. Without a solid background in business management, many businesses, small and large, don’t make it past that first year,” they detailed.

The trio noted too that access to capital without impossible collateral, and access to spaces where they can sell and collaborate can beabigboost.Suggestingfor there to be more collaborations like pop-up markets, shared kitchen/ vendor spaces, and even vendor swaps, this is how theyintroduceclientstoeach other and cut costs.

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Still on their entrepreneurial journey, they recalledtheinitialchallenges they would have dealt with. Their biggest challenge they noted was being resourceful. “In the beginning, we wore all the hats—figuring out our market, shopping, cooking, designing our own flyers, marketing the brand, invoicing, and everything. Thankfully we have each other We lean hard into our rolestosimplifytheworkload: Shontelondetails,Destinyon flavour, and Siani on logistics,” they explained.

As they continue to

“Youngpeople,especially intheCaribbean,areuniquely placed to take advantage of the opportunities that come with the global need for innovation.Theyouth’smind isincrediblycreative.Wesee problems and immediately imagine new ways around them,mixingculture,tech,and business in ways that didn’t exist 5 years ago,” they said.

Further,whenaskedwhat theythinkcanbedonelocally to help small business grow; theyexplainedthatoneofthe critical factors for small businesses is knowledge.

“Knowing which special licences apply to your

For persons looking to experience the services of A LaCart’e,thewomenhavean upcoming event called “Moms in Bloom”, where theyaregivingthemomstheir flowers atALa Cart’e. It’s a brunch experience centered on beauty, rest, and appreciation. From beautiful floral decor, to photo moments, curated playlists, fun activities, and a tasty menu, the team is handling everydetail.Theeventwhich is slated for May 10, 2026, they disclosed that “You just havetobringmomoramother figure. It’s the perfect opportunity for a Mother’s Day gift, daughter/son-mom dates, or treating yourself if you’rethemom.”

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Trump safe after shots fired at White House Correspondents’ Dinner … shooter in custody

Aljazeera - United States President DonaldTrumpwasevacuatedfromtheWhite Housecorrespondents’dinnerinWashington, DC,aftershotswerefiredoutsidetheevent.

Trump was rushed out of the Washington Hilton hotel on Saturday evening after gunshots were heard outside the ballroom wherethepresidentandthefirstladyhadbeen seatedbeforethestartoftheannualmediagala

Trump, the First Lady and his Cabinet were unharmed. In a news conference after theincident,Trumpsaidamanhadchargeda

security checkpoint armed with multiple weapons and was “taken down” by the US SecretService.

Trumpcondemnedthesuspectasa“thug” whohadattackedtheUSConstitution.Trump said one Secret Service officer was shot, but hislifehadbeensavedbyhisbulletproofvest.

“Todayweneedlevelsofsecurity Continued on page 48

President Trump is escorted out of the White House Correspondents’Association dinner. REUTERS/Bo Erickson

Trump cancels envoys’ Pakistan trip, in blow to hopes for Iran war breakthrough

ISLAMABAD/WASHINGTON, April 25 (Reuters) - President Donald Trump cancelled a trip by two U.S. envoys to Iran warmediatorPakistanonSaturday,dealinga new setback to peace prospects after Iran’s foreign minister departed Islamabad after speakingonlytoPakistaniofficials.

While peace talks failed to materialize Saturday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahuorderedhistroopsto“forcefully” attack Hezbollah targets in Lebanon, his office said, further testing a three-week ceasefire.

Trump told reporters in Florida that he decided to call off the planned visit by U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner because the talks in Islamabad involved too much travel and expense, and Iran’s latest peaceofferwasnotgoodenoughforhim.

Before boarding Air Force One on Saturday for a return flight to Washington, Trump said Iran had improved an offer to resolve the conflict after he cancelled the visit,“butnotenough.”

Inasocialmediapost,Trumpalsowrote there was “tremendous infighting and confusion”withinIran’sleadership.

“Nobody knows who is in charge, including them.Also, we have all the cards,

theyhavenone!Iftheywanttotalk,allthey have to do is call!!!” he posted on Truth Social.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi earlier left the Pakistani capital without any signofabreakthroughintalkswithPakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and other seniorofficials.

Araqchi later described his visit to Pakistanas“veryfruitful,”addinginasocial mediapostthathehad“sharedIran’sposition concerning (a) workable framework to

permanentlyendthewaronIran.Haveyetto see if the U.S. is truly serious about diplomacy”.

Iranian media reported that Araqchi had flown to Oman’s capital Muscat, saying he willmeetwithseniorofficialsto“discussand exchange views on bilateral relations and regionaldevelopments”.

SharifwroteinapostonXthathespoke with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian abouttheregionalsecuritysituationandtold him that Pakistan was committed to serving “as an honest and sincere facilitator — working tirelessly to advance durable peace andlastingstability.”

Tehranhasruledoutanewroundofdirect talks with the United States and an Iranian diplomaticsourcesaidhiscountrywouldnot

acceptWashington’s“maximalistdemands”. IRANANDUSATANIMPASSE

WashingtonandTehranareatanimpasse as Iran has largely closed the Strait of Hormuz,whichnormallycarriesone-fifthof global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments, while the U.S. blocks Iran’s oil exports.

The conflict, in which a ceasefire is in force, began with U.S.-Israeli airstrikes on IranonFebruary28.Iranhassincecarriedout strikes against Israel, U.S. bases and Gulf states, and the war has pushed up energy prices to multi-year highs, stoking inflation anddarkeningglobalgrowthprospects.

Araqchi “explained our country’s principled positions regarding the latest developmentsrelatedtotheceasefireandthe complete end of the imposed war against Iran”, said a statement on the minister’s officialTelegramaccount.

Asked about Tehran’s reservations over U.S. positions in the talks, an Iranian diplomaticsourceinIslamabadtoldReuters: “Principally, Iranian side will not accept maximalistdemands.”

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt had said the U.S. had seen some progressfromtheIraniansideinrecentdays and hoped more would come over the weekend,whileVicePresidentJDVancewas readytotraveltoPakistanaswell.

Vance led a first round of unsuccessful talks with Iran in Islamabad earlier this month.

Trump safe after shots fired at...

Agents draw their guns after loud bangs were heard during the White House correspondents’dinner at the Washington Hilton in Washington, DC, onApril 25, 2026 [Mandel Ngan/AFP]

Frompage47 probably nobody has ever seen before,” Trumpsaid.

The US Secret Service said the shooting had occurred at a “screening area” and that oneindividualwasincustody.

“Theconditionofthoseinvolvedisnotyet known, and law enforcement is actively assessingthesituation,”theagencysaid.

Footage from the scene showed Trump andattendeestakingcoverbehindtheirtables after shots rang out, as people yelled “Get down!”and“Staydown!”

Trump was then rushed away from the scene by Secret Service agents, after which heavily armed agents surrounded the main table.AlJazeeraproducerChrisSheridansaid heheardwhathebelievedtobefivegunshots outsidetheballroom.

“We could smell the powder We immediately dove to the ground. It was

directlybehindme,”Sheridansaid.

“Icouldn’ttellhowmanyfeetaway,butit was definitely behind the doors to the entrancetotheballroom.”

Sheridan said there was a very heavy policepresencearoundthehotel.

“They are trying to clear the area at the moment,”hesaid.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum PardoexpressedherreliefthatTrumpandthe FirstLadywereunharmed.

“We send our respect,” she said in a post onX.“Violenceshouldneverbetheway.”

Trump has been targeted in multiple assassinationattempts,includinganear-miss shootinginButler,Pennsylvaniain2024.

ThomasCrooksfiredeightshotsatTrump during a campaign rally event, killing one bystander and lightly wounding the thencandidate’s right ear, before being shot dead bytheUSSecretService.

REUTERS/Asim Hafeez photo of police officials

Invest in solutions that support small, developing countries – VP Jagdeo

…urges Commonwealth nations to grasp new opportunities to access climate finance

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo on Saturday urged Commonwealth countries to make the most of new opportunities to access climate finance and advance development.

TheVicePresidentjoined a Commonwealth roundtable on the Declaration on Sustainable Urbanisation, adoptedinKigaliin2022.The

Helping all our people to secure better lives now

requires managing

complexity at a speed and scalenotseenbefore.

We need new thinking, new tools, and a step change in how the international community su

developing countries and smallerstates,”hesaid.

Jagdeo said that the

roundtable, supported byThe King's Foundation, brought togethermemberstates,along with experts and civil society organisations,toaddresshow to manage rapid urbanisation while improving quality of life, strengthening economic opportunity, and building resilience.

Commonwealth leaders have spoken repeatedly of its roleasaplatformforpractical cooperation. One example is the Commonwealth Climate Finance Access Hubdeveloped from work Vice President Jagdeo chaired and presented at the 2014 CHOGM in Colombo Twelve years later – and now headquartered in Mauritiusthe Hub has helped mobilise nearly US$500 million in climate finance, supported over 100 projects, and deployed expert advisers acrossmorethan15countries.

Speaking after, Vice President Jagdeo said: “The p r o g r e s s o f t h e Commonwealth Climate Finance Access Hub is welcome and important. It shows what can be achieved when countries are given practical support to turn home-grown ideas into investable projects. But the scale of today's climate and development challenges requiresfarmore.

Commonwealth stakeholders focused on urbanisation

“Howweplanandbuildcities that are liveable, productive, and attractive for investment and jobs But the same challenges are seen right acros

as of development – and that increasingly means the need fo

and applications that can use the data.”

The Vice President continued: “At the recent AI SummitinNewDelhi–which brought together Heads of Governmentandleadersfrom technology companies like Microsoft, Google, OpenAII saw ho

ficial intelligence is already strengthening planning and accelerating decision-making acrosstheworld.

This presents a major opportunity - but only if it worksforeveryone.

As I said today, if AI modelsarenottrainedondata from small and developing countries,itwillnotworkfor them.”

Hesaidthattheremustbe investmentsinsolutions,both traditional and AI-driventhat support small countries and the developing world.

“TheCommonwealth–home toaboutathirdoftheworld's people – can play a leading role,”heemphasised.(DPI)

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo at the Climate Finance and Urban Developent

WCCTrophyStallT20final ontodayatMaria'sPleasure

cket Committee (WCC), Trophy Stall T20 tournament is set fortodayatMaria'sPleasure cricketground.

Home team Maria's Pleasure will face Zeelandia from 13:00hrs and a keen contestisanticipated.

Both teams registered victories in their respective semifinal games last weekend.

Zeelandia will be led by Navishaul Pooran and includes Ricardo Adams,

Ronaldo Scouten and Ronnie Ganagaram, while Maria's Pleasure will be spearheaded by Kennard Lewis who will look to supportfromBernardLewis, Leorayan Ramlakhan, Leonard Lewis, Mahadeo R

Persaudamongothers.

Teams- ZeelandiaNavishaul Pooran, Ricardo Adams, Ronnie Gangaram, Varendra Pooran, Mohindra Jadookool, Deepak Garib, Devon Rambaran, Ronaldo Schouten, Joshua Williams,

Denny Sitaram, Hamanth

Ragobir

Maria's PleasureKennard Lewis, Bernard

Ramdeo, Hemraj Persaud, Pooran Persaud, Leonard

, Bhawanie Persaud, Alec Clementson, Samuel De Camp, Leonardo Lewis and MarkLewis.

The winning, runner up teams and man of the match willreceivetrophies.

Half Mile/ One Mile/Scheme and Blueberry Hill/ Alleys/Valleys...

Sunday April 26, 2026

ARIES(Mar.21–Apr.19)

The people around you will likely get on your nerves today Instead of confronting them, set aside any issues of rightandwrong.Instead,work on helping those who need yourassistance.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)

Use the day to come up with plans Instead of waiting for others to help you, take the initiative and make your own path Be sure that you make your plans realistic and consider the amount of work you'rewillingtoputintomake themcomeabout

GEMINI(May21–June20)

There are a lot of changes occurring in all aspects of your life If things are not as clear as you'd like, venture out of your comfortzoneandyouwillrealize thesolutiontoyourconfusion

CANCER(June21–July22)

You'relikelytosucceedtoday, but it's wise to assess your priorities first In the long run, helping others will give you more satisfaction than simply meetingyourownneeds Keep inmindthatmaterialthingscan begoneinaninstant

LEO(July23–Aug.22)

You'll have a lot of time on your hands today, and lounging around might be tempting.Whynotfindamore worthy form of relaxing like creatingart?Youhavealotof talentsandwaystomakeyour daymorefulfilling.

VIRGO(Aug 23–Sept 22)

This is a good time to change directionandfindnewmeaning inyourlife Itcouldmanifestasa missed opportunity that has comebackaroundoranewtake on your routine Keep an open mindsoyoucantakeadvantage ofthesituation

LIBRA(Sept.23–Oct.22)

Don't lose sleep over what people say you can and can't do. Be your own person. You know your limitations. If you don't know what to do, call a trusted friend. You might find the extra help you need to end yourdayonasatisfactorynote.

SCORPIO(Oct.23–Nov.21)

Seizetheday Theheavensare smiling on you! Keep your todo list on hand, as you may be surprised by how much you can accomplish today No aim istoohigh,sodon'tbeafraidto take a risk, no matter how impossibleitmayseem.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21)

There's no better time to start anewthannow!Createaclean slateforyourself.Bynow,you should alreadyhavean ideaof what works for you and what doesnot.

CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19)

Stand out today by making firm decisions and leading the way Thosearoundyouarejust waiting for someone to tell themwhattodo.Bethatperson and show them what kind of leaderyoucanbe.Letthemsee you for thetrailblazerthatyou are.

AQUARIUS(Jan 20–Feb.18)

Start the day right by having a planforanysituation.Createas many fallback plans as possible.Peoplearedepending on you to be their protector You might have to stand up or cover up for a friend or coworkerbeforethedayisout.

PISCES(Feb.19–Mar 20)

What you do during the early partofyourdaywilldefinitely have an impact on the quality of your evening. Make sure you do your best so that your downtimefeelsearnedandnot wasted.

Frompage56

After the first stanza ended and play resumed Zinadine Ramdehol increased the lead making it 3-0afterhedribbledpasthis opponent before tucking it intothebackofthenet,inthe 48thminute.

Then Marcus had backto-backgoalsinthe58thand 84thminutesforhishat-trick astheOneMileSchemeunit blankedtheiropponents5-0.

Inthesecondgameofthe doubleheader, Blueberry Hill /Alleys/ Valleys/ Christianburg outplayed Silvertown/ West Watooka/ Minescombination4-1.The winnersofthatgamegained theedgeafterarecklessfoul resulted in a penalty against Silvertown/ West Watooka Mines with Nicholas Gentle converting the spot kick in the25thminuteofplay

Ouston Lewis then sent Blueberry Hill/ Alleys/ Valleys/ Christianburg to a 2-0 cushion netting in the 31st minute but Shane Haynes would reduce the deficit by slotting home a goal in the 45th minute, as his team Silvertown/ West Watooka/Minestrailed,1-2, atthebreak.

But Omar Brewley then gave the Blueberry Hill/ A l l e y s / Va l l e y s Christianburg a 3-1 advantage, scoring in the 52nd minute before another goal from Shane Luckie in the 61st minute would wrap up a 4-1 score-line for the winners.

Daytwoofthisfour-day competition is set for tomorrow (Monday) at the tournamen

Bayrock National Stadium.

first game at 6.30pm is between Central/ South Mackenzie/Mines against Amelia’s Ward

The

/ Kara Kara/

Bamia, and the second from 8.00pm between Block 22 / Wisrock and Silvertown WestWatooka/CanvasCity

One Mike/Half Mile/ Scheme scorers from left Marcus Tudor, Clinton Charles and Zidane Ramdehol.

Guyana’s senior Green Machine blew a huge lead only to suffer a big comeback loss at the hands of Bermuda yesterday during the National 15s Rugby Americas North (RAN) Championship match yesterdayattheNationalPark.

Guyana, ranked 70, led Bermuda (ranked 74) 5-3 by the halfway mark, followingacloselycontestedfirsthalf which was filled with aggressive plays.

Bermuda did well to cut the lead beforethefinalwhistle,havingpulled offsomeamazingplaystohelpgrab3 goals, after Brandon Sagster swung the pendulum with 3 successful penalties converted that eventually laidthefoundationforthewin.

His shots in the 48th and 62nd minutes following his penalty on the 18thminutemarkpriortothehalftimebreak, further gave the Bermudans the edge as it helpedtosetupthelandslidelead.

time during the 18th minute after trying and failing to convert his opportunity, to which Sagstereventuallycapitalizedshortlyafter Bermuda nevertheless dominated the

GuyaneseLionelHolder,hadaneventful

second half of the game, keeping the home team at bay as they romped to what was an emphaticcome-from-behindvictory Guyana will now look to regroup and

reassess their plans as they turn their attention to Barbados, who they play on June 6, as they seek some revenge followingthethrashingreceivedatthe hands of the Bajans the last time the twoteamsmet.

The local boys will then travel to thetwinislandofTrinidadandTobago where they face the home team on June26.

Guyana 15s Squad: Rondel McArther (C), Godfrey Broomes (VC), Makayah Smith, Devon Charles, James Osborne, Phoibian Joseph, Shawn David, Christian Klass, Sebastian Manifile, Osie McKenzie, Owen Adonis, Odida Douglas, Rickford Cummings, Godfrey Polloydore, Lionel Holder, RyanSkinner,QuasonButters,Kelvin Grant, Renaldo Niles, Osbert Robertson, Michael Edwards, Gavin McPherson,VallonAdams,MichaelBarrow, Akino James, Kevon David, Marlon Small, AdrianHall,JonathanGarnett,JamalJunior

Director of Sports Steve Ninvalle greeting the players prior to the start of the match.

Guyana blew a good start before allowing Bermuda to claw themselves back in the game.

PresidentunderscoressporttourismvalueasGMR&SCsignsGT3contract

His Excellency Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali has cited the important role that sport tourism will play in building Guyana’s image in thetimetocome.

The president made the comments after witnessing the signing of the contract for the upcoming GT3 AmericasChallenge.

Giving remarks, PresidentAlicontendedthat there is much benefit to be derived from sport tourism and events such as the GT Challenge de las Américas, which are key pillars in

showcasingGuyana. “I’m very pleased today to witness another installmentofusasacountry building out our tourism product As part of the orange economy and developing our tourism sector, sports tourism has beenidentifiedasoneofthe areas that we’ll pursue vigorously.”

Helikenedthechallenge to the ‘CPL’ of motorsport, adding that Guyana will be onshowtotheworldduring theJulyevent.

“Wearehostingthisasa

CARICOM event So, Guyanaisthehost,butwe’ll be flying the CARICOM flag in this competition. So, we have an important stakeholder, of course, a well-knownindividualinthe racing community in CARICOM, who will be driving from Trinidad, but he’ll be flying the CARICOM flag at these races,”PresidentAlisaid.

Eduardo Aguilar Calderon, the Organizer of theevent,contendedthatthe initiative represents a great positive for motorsport and

thesporttourismbrandhere.

“I think it’s a very good opportunityforalltohavean improvement in the motorsport racing in the Caribbean and Central America.”

Meanwhile, the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC), the local body and through whose auspices the event will run, hasalreadybegunamassive transformationprojecttothe SouthDakotaCircuit.

Withassistancefromthe government of Guyana, several infrastructure upgrades, including a revamped pit straight, FIAspec curbing, and other safety mandates, are being installed at the Timehri

facility

Speaking also at the signing, GMR&SC president Mohamed Shiraz Roshandin added, “I’d like to thank the president first of all for seeing the vision of motor racing in Guyana and what it can bring for Guyana and also the upward trend of motor racing in Guyana; Eduardo and his team for seeing the vision and the strength of motor ra

in the Caribbean and in Guyana and what the government has planned for motor racing ”

explained the reason for choosing Guyana over his

nativeTrinidadfortheevent, saying, “The reason that Guyana was chosen is because of the geographical location, direct flights, and a

bility, and the president and the support team were phenomenal. So, asthefranchiseholderofthe GT Challenge of the Las Americas,thisisgoingtobe round three here in Guyana and the Caribbean, the CARICOM region, Latin, Central, and South America will definitely not want to missthisevent.”

TheJuly12and13event will bring drivers and teams from across the Latin American region to these shoresforahistoricmoment ofmotorsport.

President Mohamed IrfaanAli makes a point during the meeting with GMR&SC.

Farrell shatters 200m record as Guyana closes S/A Youth Games with seven-medal surge

Guyana’s rising sprint

star Dequan Farrell

delivered a historic performance on the final day of the South American Youth Games in Panama, rewriting the record books andpoweringhiscountryto an impressive seven-medal haul as the championships concludedyesterday

Farrell blazed to gold in the boys’ 200m final, stopping the clock at 21 18s, a performance that notonlysecuredtopspoton the podium but also established a new Games record

In doing so, he erased the previous mark of 21 28 seconds set by Argentina’s TomásMondinoatthe2022 edition to become the first Guyanese to hold an event

record at the South AmericanYouthGames

Dequan Farrell delivered a historic performance on the final day in Panama to set a new record. (Run It Facebook page)

The Guyanese sprinter held off a strong field, f

Ecuador’s Mateus Mendez, who clocked 21 24s, while Brazil’s Pedro Nunes took bronzein21 74s

athlete Gordon Thompson

narrowly missing out on a

relayteam

H i s e x p l o i t s complemented teammate Ezekiel Millington’s win in theboys’100m,underlining Guyana’s sprint dominance attheGames

The final day also saw Team Guyana grabbing anotherpodiumfinishinthe boys’4x400m relay, behind the quartet of Ade Sealy, Daquan Farrell, Gordon ThompsonandEboMcNeil astheycombinedforatime of3:20.46toclaimbronze.

Colombia captured gold in3:16 39,whileChiletook silverin3:18 39

competitivefinal Farrell’s victory capped anoutstandingcampaign,as he added the 200m title to his earlier success as a member of Guyana’s gold medal-winning 4x100m

Guyana’s overall medal tally stood at seven at the close of the championships (three gold, one silver and three bronze), marking a successful outing for the nation’s young athletes on thecontinentalstage.

Track and field proved to be the driving force b e h i n d G u y a n a ’s performance, accounting forsixofthesevenmedals

These included gold medals from Ezekiel Millington (100m), Dequan Farrell (200m), and the boys’4x100m relay team; a silver from Gordon Thompsoninthe100m;and bronze medals from Ebo McNeil in the 1500m and the boys’ 4x400m relay team. Boxer Ken Harvey added the country’s lone non-athletics medal with a bronzeinthering.

With the curtains now drawn on the Games, GuyanaleavesPanamawith renewed confidence and a new generation of athletes proving they can compete, andwinatthehighestyouth levelinSouthAmerica

MassyDistributionSchool’sU18Footballfinaliststobedecidedtoday

The race to the final of the 2026 Massy Distribution–sponsored Petra Organisation Under-18 Schools Football Championship hits boiling point today, as four in-form sides collide in a high-stakes semifinal doubleheader at the Ministry of Education Ground.

Powerhouses Chase’s Academic Foundation andWest Ruimveldt Secondary stand just one win away from another championship appearance, but both face stern tests against dangerous opponents in Charlestown Secondary and Santa Rosa Secondary

Chase’sAcademic Foundation enter the first semifinal brimming with confidence andstillunbeateninthetournament Known for their free-scoring, high-tempo style, they have swept aside opponents with ease sofar

But Charlestown Secondary won’t roll over They’ve shown grit throughout the competition, and their defensive unit will need to deliver its best performance yet to containtherelentlessChaseattack

The second semifinal promises just as muchintensity WestRuimveldtSecondary, also unbeaten, take on a confident Santa RosaSecondaryoutfitinwhatshapesupasa

true 50-50 battle Santa Rosa have impressed with their balance and depth, while West Ruimveldt will look to their talismanic striker Donovan Welcome to deliverinthebigmoment.

Head coach Leon Bishop has already sounded the warning—his side, he insists, is “readyforthechallenge.”

Two matches Four contenders Only twospotsavailabletothefinal

By the end of the evening, the championship picture will be clear, while thelosingsidesshiftfocustothethird-place playoff Beyond that, there’s still plenty at stake, as teams finishing in the top eight secure qualification for the league phase laterthisyear

The stage is set for a thrilling afternoon of school football Will the favourites hold firm, or are upsets on the cards? Supporters areurgedtobeattheMinistryofEducation Groundtocatcheverymoment

MassyDistributionisthetitlesponsorof the12thannualchampionship,withsupport from the Demerara Mutual Group and the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport The tournamentissanctionedbytheMinistryof Education Kickoff is set for 4:00 pm, with everythingontheline

Chase’sAcademic Foundation on the verge to secure another final’s ticket in 2026

Petra School football Tournament.

and Shanghai / UDFA Linden Town Week Football

Half Mile/ One Mile/Scheme and Blueberry Hill/ Alleys/ Valleys/ Christianburg secure vital opening victories Kashif

Solid wins were recorded by Half Mile /One Mile/ Scheme and Blueberry Hill/ Alleys/Valleys/ChristianburgFridaynightto kickstartthis year’s inauguralLindenTown Week InterWard football tournament which has been organsied by the Kashif and ShanghaiOrganisation,incollaborationwith the Upper Demerara Football Association, and is being played at the Bayrock National StadiuminLinden.

Meeting the teams at the march past

before play began were Town Clerk of Linden Lennox Gasper, Kashif Muhammed, AubreyMajor,JermaineFiguieraandUDFA PresidentWainwrightBethune.

Playing on the freshly laid turf at the Bayrock facility, One Mile/ Half Mile/ Scheme led by a hat-trick from the boot of Marcus Tudor accounted for a 5-0 drubbing ofCentral/SouthMackenzie/Mines.

The first goal of the tournament was registeredbyOneMile/HalfMile/Scheme’s

Charles when he capitalized on a mistake by the opposing goalkeeper in not grabbingtheballcleanlyandwasabletotuck homefora1-0scoreinthe31stminute.

Then in the 36th minute Marcus Tudor

nettedhisfirstofthreegoalsknockinghome withaleftfootshottosendhisteamup2nil and the first half ended with One Mile/ Half Mile/Schemeahead2-0.

Continued on page 51

Clinton

Blueberry Hill/ Valleys/Alleys/ Christianburg scorers from left Nicholas Gentle, Ouston Lewis, Omar Brewley and Shane Luckie.

CalvinMingeyesGlobalstageinMrBeast’sBeastGames – Calls on Guyana for Support

Georgetown, Guyana –

Guyanese motorsport standout, Calvin Ming, has officially announced his intention to compete in the globally renowned Beast Games, created byYouTube sensationMrBeast.

Minghasadvancedtothe finaliststageoftheselection process and now stands on the brink of representing

Guyanainoneoftheworld’s most-watched and competitive reality game series.The show, known for its high-stakes challenges and multimillion-dollar prizes,hasattractedmillions of viewers worldwide and features contestants competing in intense physical and strategic challenges.

A former NACAM Formula 4 Champion and one of Guyana’s most accomplished international drivers, Ming has consistently demonstrated discipline, resilience, and excellence on the global

stage. From karting at a young age to competing in international racing series, he has built a reputation as oneofthecountry’spremier sportingambassadors.

Now,heiscallingonthe nationonceagain.

CashprizepayoutsforOne GuyanaT10IVswelltoover$8M

The fourth instalment of the One Guyana T10 Tapeball Blast will reach a new high in terms of cash prizepayouts,withoverG$8 million up for grabs alongside high-quality trophies.

In a move to further professionalise the grassroots format, organisershaveintroduceda quarter-final payout for the 2026season.

Each zone winner will now pocket $500,000, and byadvancingtotheNational Finals, teams can compete for an additional $2 million forfirstplace,$1millionfor second place, or $500,000 foreachlosingsemifinalist.

Thisstructureeffectively increases the overall winning prize to $2 5

million, while the overall runner-up will take home $1.5million.

The two losing semifinalists at the National Finalswillwalkawaywitha combined $1 million overall.

In an effort to remain player-centred, organisers FL Sport have expanded rewards for teams that fall short of the final stage. The losing finalist at the zone level will receive $200,000, while the losing semifinalistsget$50,000each.

For the first time in the tournament’s history, losing quarter-finalists will also be rewardedwith$25,000each.

Beyond team prizes, individualexcellencewillbe heavily incentivised with a suite of cash awards: Most

Valuable Player ($150,000) + motorbike, Most Runs ($100,000) + television, Most Wickets ($100,000) + television, Player-of-the Final ($75,000), Super Strike Rate ($50,000) and Best Economy Rate ($50,000).

Non-monetaryprizesare alsoonthecardsforplayers recordingthemostdotballs, sixes,andfours.

Tournament Director John Ramsingh noted that themissionhasalwaysbeen to provide a platform for talenttoberewarded.

“Without question, we haveoneofthehighestcash payouts for any tournament within the Caribbean,” Ramsingh stated, adding that interest from regional counterparts to compete in

Guyanacontinuestogrow Registration for the 80team tournament opens in early May with a $35,000 fee, and teams can register foranyzone.

The competition will maintain its straight knockoutformatacrossfour zones: Berbice, East Bank/West Demerara, E s s e q u i b o , a n d Georgetown/East Coast Demerara.

The tournament is scheduled to run from early Augusttomid-October,with the National Finals set for the brand-newAnna Regina NationalStadium.

In addition to the prize money, zone winners will earnanautomaticspotinthe upcoming Global T10 Tapeballtournament.

Tosecurehisplaceinthe competition, Ming requires public support through voting. Guyanese at home and abroad are encouraged torallybehindhimandhelp bringthisopportunityhome.

HowtoSupport

Supporters can cast their v o t e s a t : https://beastgames com/vot

e Mingisalsoencouraging thepublictospreadtheword by sharing the voting link and encouraging friends, family, and networks to participate.

“Thisismorethanjustan individual opportunity—it’s a chance to represent Guyana on a massive global platform,” Ming shared

“I’m grateful for every vote andeverypersonwhostands behindmeonthisjourney.” With national pride on the line, this is a defining momentforGuyanatounite andsupportoneofitsownas heaimstocompeteononeof the biggest entertainment stagesintheworld.

AboutCalvinMing

Calvin Ming is a Guyanese international racing driver and former NACAM Formula 4 Champion.Hehascompeted in multiple international series,includingU.S.F2000 and the Toyota Racing Series, and continues to represent Guyana with distinctioninmotorsportand beyond.

Calvin Ming

President underscores sport tourism value as

GMR&SC signs GT3 contract

Santa Rosa Secondary to battle West Ruimveldt Secondary for a spot in the finals, both teams going into the contest unbeaten.

President Mohamed IrfaanAli witnesses the signing of the GT3 De LasAmericans agreement between the series Co-Ordinator EduardoAguilar Calderon (right) and Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC) President Mohamed Shairaz Roshandin.

Farrell shatters 200m record as Guyana closes S/A Youth Games with seven-medal surge surge

Dequan Farrell powers home in the 200m in Panama to set a new record. (Run It Facebook page)